The diary of John Rowe

Immh

1 /

/^

/^

THE

DIARY OF JOHN ROWE,

A BOSTON MERCHANT,

1764-1779.

A PAPER READ BY

EDWARD L. PIERCE

BEFORE

March 14, 1895.

CAMBRIDGE:

JOHN WILSON AND SON.

Slnibcrsitg ^rcss.

1895.

o^-

.4-

THE DIARY OF JOHN ROWE,

A BOSTON MERCHANT.

The Diary of John Rowe, a Boston merchant, inchides the
period from Sept. 8, 1764, to July 15, 1779, with three breaks in
it, — one from Aug. 17, 1765, to April 10, 1766, another from
June 1, 1775, to December 24 of the same year, and the third
from Nov. 19, 1776, to Aug. 12, 1778. The missing volume
which makes the second break was, according to his memoran-
dum in the next volume, " mislaid or taken out of his store " ;
' e other two breaks are supposed to have occurred since his
.. ith. The Diary is paged continuously, the last page being
numbered 2493 ; and as this page completes a volume, it is
likely that later volumes have disappeared.

The Diary is owned by Mrs. Anne Rowe Paj^son, grand-
niece of John Rowe, being granddaughter of his brother Jacob
who lived in Quebec, and daughter of John Rowe, — the
"Jack" Rowe, mentioned often in the Diary, who at the age
of seven years was adopted by his uncle, arriving in Boston
Oct. 19, 1772, shortly after his arrival being sent to Rev. Mr.
Nicholl's school at Salem, and later (that school being broken
np soon after the battle of Lexington) removed to the school
of Rev. Phillips Payson at Chelsea.^ The owner of the Diary,
Mrs. Payson, and her only descendant, Mrs. Anne Rowe
Cunningham, live on the Milton estate of Governor Jonathan
Belcher, which passed from the Belchers to John Rowe, the
Boston merchant. Here the Governor had lived in what he
described in his letters as his "cave," "wigwam," "little
cottage," and " lowly cottage." This was burned in 1776, and
the present house was built shortly after.^

1 This John Rowe was born in Quebec, July 26, 1765 ; was a graduate of Har-
vard College in 1783, being a classmate of Harrison Gray Otis and William
Prescott; married in Gloucester, April 26, 1792, and died at his home in Quincy,
very near the Milton line. May 24, 1812. He lived in Gloucester for a while, and
represented that town in the House of Representatives for the years 1796-1805
(except for the year 180;3) and Essex County in the Senate for the year 1806.

2 Teele's History of Milton, pp. 109-114, 512, 514, 516; Bejcher Papers, 6 Col-
lections, vol. vii. pp. xvi, note, 416, 418, 549.

12 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

This Society has published journals or letters relative to
affairs in Boston covering a part of the period (1764-1779)
included in Rowe's Diary, among others: Timothy Newell's
Journal, April 19, 1775 -March 17, 1776, 4 Collections,
I. 261-276; Ezekiel Price's Diary, May 23, 1775 -Aug. 17,
1776, Proceedings, November, 1863, 185-262; Letters of
John Andrews, Feb. 24, 1772 -April 11, 1776, Proceedings,
July, 1865, 316-412; Thomas Newell's Diary, Jan. 1, 1773-
Dec. 22, 1774 ; Proceedings, October, 1877, 334-363 ; Letters
of Rev. Andrew Eliot, April 25, 1775 -Feb. 19, 1776, Proceed-
ings, September, 1878, 280-306 ; Benjamin Boardman's Diary,
July 31 -Nov. 12, 1775, Proceedings, May, 1892, 400-413;
and Jabez Fitch, Jr.'s, Diary, Aug.5-Dec. 13, 1775, Proceed-
ings, May, 1894,40-91. Other journals and memoirs concern-
ing the period are cited in the " Memorial History of Boston,"
III. 154, note.

The other printed diaries above referred to cover a briefer
period than Rowe's; and their authors, or most of them, have
a standpoint different from his. Several of them, like Rowe,
have much to say of the weather; but that part of his record
is omitted in this summary. Rowe himself, without being an
acute observer of men and events, was an intelligent merchant ;
and while we could wish he had reserved a part of the space
which he gave to the ever-recurring names of persons whom
lie met at dinners and clubs for a record of the opinions they
expressed, still there remains much which illustrates the public
and social life of Boston at this eventful period.

The purpose of this paper is to call attention to interesting
points in the Diary, and to give a general knowledge of its
contents, which may perhaps be of service to other inves-
tigators of local and general history. I have classified the
miscellaneous facts and experiences which the diarist states,
submitting also a copy of so much of his record as relates to
the contest with Great Britain both before the Revolution and
during a considerable part of it. I offer as an excuse, if one
is needed, for some incidents and details which have been
thought worthy of mention, that the newspapers of the period
confine themselves mostly to grave documents, telling us but
very little of wliat was going on in the life of the people.

At the time Rowe's Diary begins, — in September, 1764, —
the British government was just putting in force its scheme of

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 13

taxing the Colonies for the purpose as avowed of " defraying
the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the same."
The Sugar Act, which imposed duties not only on sugar and
molasses but on other articles hitherto exempt, had been passed
the previous spring. Otis's pamphlet on " The Rights of the
British Colonies asserted and proved " had been issued. In
May and during the summer and autumn, protests against the
new policy were being made by the Boston town-meeting and
the General Court. The Stamp Act was to follow the Sugar
Act in less than a twelvemonth. Rowe's Diary thus opens at
the initial stage of the Revolution.

The Diary comprises the period of the imposition of the
new and hated taxes, the passage and repeal of the Stamp Act,
the Boston massacre, the throwing overboard of the tea, the
beginning of civil war at Lexington and Concord, the siege of
Boston, the evacuation by the British troops, and the visit
of the French fleet to the town. The battle of Bunker Hill
occurred during the period included in a lost volume.

Boston was, at the period covered by the Diary, a town of
sixteen thousand inhabitants, — about the present population
of Northampton, or Quincy, in this State, and Concord, New
Hampshire, or Burlington, Vermont.

John Rowe was born in Exeter, England, Nov. 16, 1715,
and died in Boston, Feb. 17, 1787. His grandfather Jacob
Rowe (though the suggestion has been made that he was a
great-uncle) held in Exeter the offices of steward, receiver,
sheriff, and mayor, holding the last-named office in 1712.
Jacob and John Rowe, brothers, emigrated to America, the
date of their coming not known ; the former going to Quebec,
where he became commissary-general, and John coming to
Boston. The latter was here as early as 1736, when he was
only twenty-one years old, as he purchased that year a ware-
house on Long Wharf. This early purchase indicates that he
brought considerable means with him ; and, besides, he contin-
ued to own property in his native city till his death, bequeath-
ing it to his relatives who remained behind. The family is
not now traceable in Devonshire.

John Rowe's portrait, at the supposed age of twenty-five, is
in the possession of his grand-niece Mrs. Payson, and has been
reproduced in F. S. Drake's "Tea Leaves." His costume as
there shown is that of a gentleman of the period.

14 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Rovve and his wife were doubtless buried (though no record
of interment is preserved) in his vault under the first Trinity
Church, a wooden building ; and the vault is not supposed to
have been disturbed by the subsequent construction of the
stone edifice. The vaults were being cleared at the time of
the fire of 1872 ; and the remains found in Rowe's are probably
among the " unknown " which were then removed to the
Trinity Church tomb in Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

John Rowe was married in 1743 to Hannah Speakman, who
survived him eighteen years, dying July 9, 1805, at the age
of eighty.^ Her sister was the first wife of Ralph Inman,
the Cambridge Loyalist, with whose family Rowe continued
always to be very intimate. The sisters are said to have been
twins. Rovve bought in 1764 the estate on the north side of
Pond Lane, now Bedford Street, where he lived till his death,
and where his widow remained till her death. The year after
his purchase he pulled down the house he found standing
there on the north side of the lane, and built a new one,
into which he moved Oct. 16, 1766. His record of that day is :
" Slept this night for this first time in our new house, which is
a very good, handsome, and convenient house." Another
entry, April 3, 1767, is: " The Governour and his son came to
see our new house this afternoon." This house with grounds
about it was sold in 1817 by Rowe's heirs to Judge William
Prescott;^ and here he and his son the historian lived. It
was demolished in 1845. A picture of it is given in the quarto
edition of Ticknor's " Life of William H. Prescott." Rowe
owned a considerable tract, measuring nearly three acres,
known as " Rowe's Pasture." Without attempting to define
its limits accurately, it may be said in a general way that it
extended from Bedford Street to Essex Street, with Washing-
ton (then Newbury) and Kingston streets as western and
eastern limits, not, however, touching Washington Street at
any point, and small lots belonging to other people perhaps
jutting in here and there. On tliis ample tract he raised, as
his Diary sliows, crops of hay and vegetables, and pastured
sheep and cattle. He owned houses and lots on the south side
of Essex Street as well as in other parts of the town ; and one

' A portrait of Mrs. Rowe is in tiie possession of Mrs. Charles Amory, Jr.,
of Boston.

2 Sliurtleff's Topographical and Historical Description of Boston, p. 409.

1

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 15

of his wharves still bears his name. He owned property in
other towns, — Dighton, Plymouth, Maiden, Medford, Glouces-
ter, Milton, Hardwick, Stoughton, Grafton, Shelburne, Deer-
field, and also in Hartford and Woodstock, Connecticut.

Rowe became one of the foremost merchants of Boston.
The " Massachusetts Centinel," in noting his death, calls him
"an eminent merchant of this place." John Adams ^ names
him among the very rich men with whom he had been ac-
quainted in the way of business, placing him among those
who had acquired wealth by their own industry, — unlike
Hancock, Bowdoin, and Pitts, who had acquired it by descent
or marriage. His ships traversed the ocean, and ran along the
coast. One of them carried Josiah Quincy, Jr., to Charles-
ton, South Carolina, in February, 1773. His whaling-sloop
" Chagford " goes out April 14, 1767 ; and his sloop " Polly "
comes in, Sept. 5, 1771, with 150 barrels of oil. He bought,
May 6, 1765, " a cargo of coals of two gentlemen from New-
berry." His imported merchandise was miscellaneous, meeting
the wants of the people of that day. We get glimpses of what
it was here and there. On May 31, 1765, his " warehouse fell
in with fish." He dealt largely in salt. On July 3, 1767, a
quantity of silk stockings, ribbons, Spanish silk, and Indian
and English taffetys were stolen at night from his store. The
British troops, when evacuating Boston in March, 1776, took
from him " linens, checks, cloths, and woolens," goods of the
value of 2260 pounds sterling. Mrs. Commodore Hood visited
his store, Dec. 8, 1768, and bought twenty-four yards of super-
fine silk. A vessel (probably Rowe's) arrives, July 22, 1767,
from Madeira with seventy pipes of wine. Governor Hutchin-
son's accounts 2 show a purchase, July 19, 1770, of Rowe of a
quarter cask of port- wine for eight pounds. He was the owner
of one of the tea-ships, though in history less is said of his cargo
than of Francis Rotch's, which arriving first was the first to be
dealt with. Until the conflict between the Colonies and the
mother country became one of force, he was largely purveyor for
the English fleet, which was rarely absent altogether from the
harbor. He was one of the Proprietors of Long Wharf, — that
ancient corporation in which leading merchants like Hancock,
Winslow, Oliver, Wells, and Boutineau were shareholders.
He was also one of the Proprietors of Point Shirley.

1 Works, ii. 29G. 2 Diary and Letters, i. 77.

16 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Rowe enjoyed excellent health. He makes the entry, Nov.
27,1773: "This day is my birthday. I am fifty-eight years
old. I am at present very hearty and strong, but in my knees
rather feeble. I bless God for all his mercies to me " ; and
again, Nov. 27, 1778 : " This day I am sixty-three years old,
and I am, thank God, very heart}', though my limbs fail me
at times." One of his generous way of living had occasion-
ally need of medical remedies, of which an emetic was the
one most frequently resorted to. He records, April 18, 1773 :
" The doctor has made an apothecary shop in my stomach," —
a method of treatment whicli, in connection with a remedy of
his own selection, " a little Geneva of mint," brought the
desired relief. He " hurted " his leg, July 25, 1772, on a
fishing-excursion. Dr. Heron was his attendant, and, the
patient improving too slowly. Dr. Peterson was called in.
The doctors were unable " to dry up the wound," and a month
after the injury it was " dressed with tincture of myrrh."
One record (that of June 13, 14, 1769) gives us reason to
prize that then unknown friend of the human race, — anaes-
thetics: "I went to bed much afflicted with toothache. . . .
Sent for Dr. Lloyd to have my tooth drawn ; had not resolu-
tion to go through the operation."

Mrs. Rowe, like her husband, enjoyed good health. He
records, Aug. 4, 1776 : "This is Mrs. Rowe's birthday. She
is this day fifty-one years old and very hearty and well." She,
however, met once (July 15, 1774) with a severe accident in
town, when, as she was returning from a funeral, the horses
took fright and ran, and, the carriage being upset and herself
thrown out, she became unconscious. Her case was thought
critical for some days. Dr. Lloyd administered " annidine
drops," and he was assisted by Dr. White. Relatives and
friends, not hired nurses, watched with the patient. In a week
she had much improved ; and her husband, whose daily entries
speak of her as "my dear, dear Mrs. Rowe," wrote: "She is
growing better, for which I and all her friends rejoice." Her
husband left her a large part of his property, with full power
to dispose of it by will.

Rowe's sentiments in relation to the controversy with Great
Britain were those of a moderate, holding in this respect the
same position as that of his relatives, intimate friends, and the

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 17

mass of his fellow-merchants. He was a puhlic-sph'ited citizen,
and wished well to his town and colony, no one more so. He
was as strongly opposed as any to the new restrictions on trade
which the parent country had put in force, and generally he
was not in sympathy with its repressive policy.^ He served
on committees appointed by the town or by merchants to set
forth the grievances of the Colony, sometimes willingly and
sometimes not so willingly. He was a member of a committee,
Sept. 18, 1765 (Otis, chairman), to express the thanks of the
town to Conway and Barre for "their noble, generous, and
patriotick speeches " in Parliament, and served on similar com-
mittees, April 21, 1766, Dec. 4, 1767, and March 14, 1768,—
the last being appointed for a recognition of John Dickinson's
" Farmer's Letters." He served on a committee, Dec. 18, 1765
(Samuel Adams, chairman), to protest against the shutting up
of the courts; on committees, Nov. 20, Dec. 17 and 21, 1767, and
June 15 and 17, 1768, to instruct the representatives ; on a com-
mittee, Oct. 28, 1767, of which he was chairman, to prevent
importations, particularly of foreign superfluities, and encourage
domestic produce and manufactures ; on a large committee,
June 14, 1768, to wait on Governor Bernard with a petition
for the redress of grievances ; and on a committee, September
12 of the same year, to wait on the Governor and inquire as
to the reported coming of troops to Boston, and to recommend
measures required in the emergency. He signed, Sept. 14,
1768, as one of the selectmen, an address to other towns, pro-
testing against Bernard's dissolving the General Court and
against the taxes levied by Parliament. He was chairman of
a committee, in June, 1779, to fix the prices of merchandise,
and to bring to punishment offenders against the Act prohibit-
ing monopolies and forestalling.^ As chairman of a merchants'
committee, he signed, June 22, 1779, in its behalf a communi-
cation to Congress, testifying their patriotic devotion, and
reprobating the attempt of " sordid and unprincipled wretches "
to depreciate the paper currency by which independence had
been almost secured, and " to force a currency of gold and
silver on its ruins." This document also expresses " anxiety

1 S. G. Drake, in his " History of Boston," p. 657, states Rowe's signature to a
petition to the General Court as early as Dec. 17, 1760, charging tlie Crown offi-
cers with appropriating to their own use money derived from forfeitures.

2 Independent Ciironicle, June 24, 1779.

3

18 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

for the security of that important staple, the fishery," as
the main support of the future commerce of the Northern
States. Congress, on receiving the petition, passed a resolu-
tion of thanks, July 27, 1779, which was communicated to the
committee by Elbridge Gerry, James Lovell, and Samuel Hol-
ten, then members from Massachusetts.

Rovve, however, while considering the conduct of the British
government impolitic and harsh, was indisposed to carry op-
position beyond argument, appeal, and protest; and at no time
did he favor measures looking to forcible resistance and inde-
pendence. His position is misconceived when he is classed with
the " Patriots," — the party who supported separation from
the mother country, and had in view the use of force outside of
law to promote that end.^ Towards Samuel Adams and Wil-
liam Molineux he was not well affected, as his Diary shows.
He was, however, prudent enough to keep up pleasant personal
relations with both sides. He did not join the patriotic
exodus from Boston when the siege began, preferring to remain
in order to protect his property.^ This may have counted
against him with the Patriots ; for when after the British evacu-
ation he proposed to join in the ceremonies for the interment
of Dr. Warren, a brother Mason, he encountered rude treat-
ment from the populace, and found it prudent to withdraw.
His close relations with the family of Captain John Linzee, an
English navy officer, must have made him an object of suspicion.
The popular feeling was, however, soothed in time by his amiable
manners, the good offices he freely distributed among his towns-
men, his active service on a relief committee, and his general
usefulness as a citizen ; so that before peace was reached he
was elected a representative to the General Court. The loot-
ing and pillaging attending the close of the British occupa-
tion, in which he was a sufferer, must have sensibly cooled his

1 Tin's error is found in Frotliinghani's " Siege of Boston," p. 23 ; John Adams's
Works, ii. 158, note ; F. S. Drake's " Tea Leaves," p. 60. Gordon, in liis History,
1. 209, says Rowe was "a niercliant who liad been active on the side of liberty in
matters of trade," — a statement which, limited to "matters of trade," is true
enough. S. G. Drake's "History of Boston," p. 700, note, citing an anonymous
memorandum, gives currency to tlie absurd imputation that Howe led the mob
in the assault on Hutchinson's house. Hutchinson himself may have thought
(Diary and Letters, i. (57) tliat the class of merchants to whom Rowe belonged had
stirred up violence against tlie Crown officers.

'^ He seems, however, to have applied, April 28, 1775, for a pass to go out with
his effects, which was for some reason refused.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 19

attachment to the country of his birth. He is very cautious
in his Diary about revealing himself even to himself, perhaps
apprehensive that as one volume had unaccountably disap-
peared, others might fall into the hands of the public, — a fate
which befell the letters of some of his distinguished friends.

The words " who knows how tea will mingle with salt
water?" ^ said to have been spoken by Rovve in the Old South
Meeting House on the evening of Dec. 16, 1773, with a view
to instigate the destruction of the tea, must, in the light of his
Diary, be regarded as apochryphal. The only authority for
the statement is an anonymous writer,^ who half a centur}''
after the transaction interviewed survivors of the period, some
of whom spoke from personal knowledge and others from
report only. They disagreed as to the number of ships and
the wharf where the ships lay, and some of them were chary
as to the information they gave. This writer's account bears
intrinsic evidence of untrustworthiness.

Rowe was childless ; but his house was well filled with
young people, — his wife's nephews the Speakmans, her
nephew George Inman (and his cousin John Inman) and
her nieces Sarah and Susanna Inman. The last-named was
adopted by him, and called familiarly " Sucky " in his Diary.^
Born March 23, 1754, she married, Sept. 1, 1772, at the age
of eighteen. Captain John Linzee, then commanding the Brit-
ish warship " Beaver," brother of Captain, afterward Rear-
Admiral, Robert Linzee, and also of Admiral Samuel Hood's
wife.^ He had been an habitue for three years at Rowe's
house, where she was living. Rowe was very fond of her,
and the day after her marriage gave her husband written
authority to draw on him every New Year's Day for twenty

1 F. S. Drake's "Tea Leaves," Ixiii ; Memorial History of Boston, iii. 49.

2 Niles's " Principles and Acts of the Revolution," pp. 485, 486.

3 Sarah died, Sept. 14, 1773, after a brief illness. George's career is elsewhere
noted.

* Rowe's Diary states that Robert and John were brothers. See also " The
Dictionary of National [English] Biography " under " Samuel Hood, Admiral,
Viscount." It should be mentioned, however, that the traditions of Captain Jolm
Linzee's family do not agree with the statement of Rowe's Diary that he was the
brother of Admiral Robert Linzee.

The late William Amory, of Boston, owned the portraits of Captain John and
Mrs. Linzee, his grandfather and grandmother, and also of Mrs. Linzee's parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Inman; and they remain with the Amory family.

20 MASSACHUSETTS HTSTOEICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

pounds sterling ; and his will, as well as his wife's, provided
liberally for her and her children. Three days after her wed-
ding he records : " Capt. Linzee sailed this forenoon and carried
my dear Sucky with him ; I wish them happy together." Ab-
sent for nearly three years, they arrived in Boston Easter
Sunday, April 16, 1775, in the " Falcon," which he was then
commanding, bringing with them their first-born, Samuel Hood
Linzee, the future admiral, born Dec. 27, 1773. Rowe brought
the three to his house the same day. Linzee was just in time
to take part in the first armed conflict of the Revolution. On
April 19, 1775, Rowe records: "Capt. Linzee and Capt. Col-
lins in two small armed vessels were ordered to bring off the
troops to Boston, but Lord Percy and Generall Smith thought
proper to encamp on Bunker Hill this night." The fact of
this order has escaped the attention of historians. Linzee had
also on the 20th an engagement with the American troops
below Cambridge bridge.

Mrs. Linzee and her child remained for the next nine months
with Rowe, or with her father then living in town, — her
husband while active on duty being with her from time to time.
He was at Rowe's house at dinner and for the evening on the
day before and the day after the battle of Lexington, and was
there each day till his next sailing, May 1, from Boston ; and now
and then till after the siege his presence at Rowe's house is re-
corded.^ He commanded, June 19, the " Falcon," one of the six
vessels which cannonaded the American works on Bunker Hill.
He sailed, Jan. 20, 1776, in the " Falcon " for England, taking
his wife, his son, and infant daughter Hannah, born in Boston,
and also his brother-in-law George Inman. Later he commanded
the "Pearl " ; and after the war, as commander of the " Pene-
lope," he was in Boston Harbor, Sept. 9, 1790, and applied
to Governor Hancock for permission to enter the harbor with
his ship, offering to fire a salute and expecting one in return.
Hancock's answer is not known, but it was certainly one of con-
sent ; for it appears that the " Penelope " sailed from Boston,
September 17, leaving, however, its commander behind, " lying
very dangerously ill of a fever at his house in this town." ^ He

1 Linzee's name appears as being at Rowe's April 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23. 24, 25,
26, 27, 28, 29, 30, Dec. 27, 28, 1775 ; Jan. 2, 7, 11, 14, 1776. Rowe's Diary from
May 30, 1775, to Dec. 25, 1775, is missinj;.

'^ Massaclmsetts Centinel, Sept. 18, 17'JO.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 21

recovered, and resumed his command. His wife with her
children about this time made her way to Boston, and occupied
a house on Essex Street, bequeathed to her by Rowe, subject
to his wife's Ufe estate, whence, according to a letter of her
husband, still preserved,^ there was an open walk across the
field to Mrs. Rowe's house on Pond Lane. Linzee resigned
his commission in 1791, and joined his wife in Boston. She
died a year later, at the age of thirty-nine, the mother of nine
children. He removed to Milton, to a house near the bridge
over the Neponset River, where, according to tradition and
Samuel Breck's " Recollections," he lived an eccentric and
lonely life, dying, in 1798, at the age of fifty-six. His eldest
son, the admiral, has descendants in England, not however
bearing his name. His other children remained in this coun-
try ; and some of their descendants bearing his name live in
or near Boston. From Captain Linzee's eldest daughter, born
in Boston, descended a branch of the Boston Amorys, one
of whom became the wife of William H. Prescott, grandson
of Colonel William Prescott ; and thus in the historian's de-
scendants is united the blood of combatants on opposite sides
on the memorable June 17, 1775. Their swords crossed are
a possession of this Society.

Rowe held various trusts and offices. He was treasurer of
the Charitable Society, and spent many evenings at its meet-
ings. From 1750 (his connection with the order began some
years earlier) till his death he held high offices in the Masonic
fraternity, and in 1768 became Grand Master of the order in
North America. The lodge in Boston suspended its regular
meetings April 19, 1775, till it was called together in 1787
to attend his funeral ; and a few months afterwards it resumed
its sessions.

Rowe often served by the choice of town-meetings on im-
portant business committees (Aug. 26, 1765 ; Jan. 7, May 7,
1766) ; was once at least moderator (March 30, 1774) ; served
as one of the fire- wards, whose meetings he often mentions ;
was sometimes overseer of the poor ; and was selectman for the
years 1766, 1767, and 1768, declining a re-election in March,
1769. He was a candidate for Representative at the election

1 Some of Captain Linzee's letters are in the possession'of his grandson John
W. Linzee, of Boston.

22 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

in May, 1765, when he failed, receiving 238 votes, — James Otis,
who was chosen, receiving 388, and the other successful can-
didates, Thacher, Gushing, and Gray, a still larger number.
At the special election in September, 1765, for filling the va-
cancy caused by the death of Oxenbridge Thacher, there was
no choice on the first ballot, — the vote being Samuel Adams 247,
Kowe 137, John Ruddock 110, and John Hancock 40. Adams
was chosen on the next ballot, and this was the beginning of
his legislative career. The next May, Rowe, who had 309, was
defeated by Hancock, who had 437, — Otis, Gushing, and Adams
receiving each between six and seven hundred.^ The story is,
as told by Gordon in his History ,2 that Adams promoted the
election of Hancock, saying, when Rowe's name was mentioned
for the place, and pointing at the same time to Hancock's house,
" Is there not another John that may do better?" This piece
of gossip, which has been much copied,^ is quite untrustworthy.
It is not unlikely, however, that Adams threw his influence
against Rowe, not thinking him earnest enough for the work
in hand, or perhaps piqued by his rivalry at the special elec-
tion. Rowe was again unsuccessful in 1767, when he re-
ceived only 134 votes ; and he was not afterwards a candidate
for a considerable period. He was, however, chosen a mem-
ber for the years 1780-1784. As a member in 1780 (being
chosen also at the election in October), he took part in
the inauguration of tlie State Gonstitution. He failed of a
re-election in 1781, when there were several candidates, Sam-
uel Adams heading the list ; but Adams, already chosen a
Senator, elected to go to the higher chamber, and at a special
election (June 12) Rowe received 300 out of 394 votes cast.^
Why Adams, chosen a Senator a few weeks before, was placed
on the Representative ticket, particularly as his subsequent
choice between tlie two offices shows that he did not wish to
go to the House, is not easily understood. Rowe as a Repre-
sentative moved, March 17, 1784, the restoration of the " God
Fish " to its former place in the State House as the symbol
of an important industry. The removal of this relic to the

^ Drake's " History of Boston," p. 719, is in error in stating Rowe's election at
this time.

2 I. 142.

8 Jolin Adams's Works, ii. 1.58, note; Wells's "Life of Samuel Adams," i. 111).

** Adams's biographer, Weils, does not refer to this double election, only men-
tioning his election as Senator.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN HOWE, 23

new legislative chamber, March 7, 1895, has revived his
memory,

Rowe was greatly interested in Trinity Church, connecting
himself with it somewhere between 1741 and 1744, — probably
in 1743, at the time of his marriage, when it was only eight years
old.i Late in that year he bought pew 82, as appears by the
records. His wife's relatives the Speakmans appear to have
been connected with it from the first. The subscription list,
open from 1741 to 1744 for its organ, bears his name with
twenty pounds annexed to it. He was chosen a vestryman in
1760, and conthuied to be one till his death, except for one or
two years (1776-1777), when he was warden. He became a
communicant in 1766. He was from the first a generous giver,
and for most of the time of his connection with the church he
contributed a larger sum to its funds than any one else. He
was rarely absent from both Sunday services, except when ill,
or troubled in spirit, or the barber failed to come ; notes always
the text, which he copies at length ; follows closely the ser-
mons, which he remarks upon as " very clever," " very ele-
gant," " most excellent," " delightful," " sensible," " serious,"
"very polite," "pathetic and moving," "metaphysical," or
" well delivered." He has much to say of parish affairs, —
Mr. Banister's ejectment suit against the church (Dec. 31,
1764 ; Jan. 2, Feb. 18, March 19, 1765), being appointed (Jan. 6,
1765) on the church committee in relation to it ; the cracking
of the church's bell (March 6, 1774), which was given a few
months later (October 2) to a sister church in Norwich, Conn. ;
the collections for the poor at Christmas (<£400 8s,, old tenor,
Dec. 25, 1773) ; the raising of the minister's salary (April 5,
1765) ; the new organ in 1770 (October 5 and December 9) ;
the proposed alteration of the church (July 26, 1772), as to
which he regrets to see the gentlemen so indifferent ; the
convention of the Episcopal clergy (June 17, 1767); the death
of Rev. William Hooper, who expired instantaneously in his
garden, April 14, 1767, " to the great grief and sorrow of his
people and the loss of his family," whom Rowe calls his own
" most valuable and worthy and never to be forgotten friend";
and the contribution of <£253 for "good Mrs. Hooper," May
13, 1770. Rowe writes, on the day of the funeral, April 17 :

^ The manuscript records of Trinity Church have assisted in filUng out the
Diary as to Rowe's connection with it.

24 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

" After church returned to the house of mourning, and I
endeavored to give comfort to the bereaved family: I intend
to be their friend." The only mention of the great Boston
artist comes a few days later, in the entry of April 23 : " Mrs.
Hooper went to Coply's to have her picture drawn, as did
Capt. Dalton [of Newberry] and wife."

Rowe was the intimate friend of the successive ministers,
Hooper, Walter, Parker, and of their families as well. Their
evenings, particularly Sunday evenings, were often passed at
his house. He " smoaked a pipe," June 11, 1765, with Mr.
Hooper. Mr. Parker, in recognition of his uniform kindness,
named a son for him ; and Rowe, in recognition of the friend-
ship, bequeathed a legacy to the father and an estate on
Pond Lane to the son, his namesake. He was a peacemaker,
composing differences between ministers, as when Mr, Walter
on one occasion took umbrage at some behavior of Mr. Hooper
(July 13, 16, 1765). The clergy would have a sunnier life if
all parishioners were as friendly critics of their sermons as was
he, — when, for instance, he wrote, Aug. 15, 1773, " Mr. Walter
shines more and more in his preaching," and, a week later, "he
is so good a man that my pen cannot describe his virtues."

Now and then a stranger clergyman appears. On June 9,
1765, " The Rev Mr. Cooper, President of the Colledge at
New York, preached." The record for May 10, 1772, is,
" Mr. Thompson of Scituate read prayers and preached [in the
morning and the afternoon]. . . . Both these sermons were
honestly designed but very lengthy."

Nearly a year after Mr. Hooper's death, April 4, 1768, Rev.
William Walter was chosen unanimously his successor,^ with
a salary of 156 pounds sterling, and a gratuity of 50 pounds
sterling for the year to Mrs. Hooper.

Rowe took especial interest in the calling of new ministers,
and a good voice seems to have been an essential requisite in a
candidate. Dec. 7, 1772, "a young gentleman from Andover,"
who had been recommended for assistant, "read prayers in the
church this morning to several of us that we might judge of
his voice, and I think he has a pleasant and agreeable voice."
Oct. 5, 1773, Rev. Samuel Parker of Portsmouth read several
chapters privately in the church to " the gentlemen of the

1 The " Memorial History of Boston," iii. 128, implies an immediate succession.
A. H. Chester's " Trinity Church," published in 1888, contains a similar error.

1895 ] DIARY OF JOHN EOWE. 25

vestry " to show what his voice was. He was found to have
" a good voice," and to read " with propriety ; " " was much
hked," and the wardens and vestry "were all of them for him "
as assistant (October 7, 10). He sailed for England, Nov. 6,
1773, for ordination, and arrived home May 16, 1774. Rowe's
record for May 22 is that he then " preached for the first time
from 123*^ Psalm and the 1"' verse a sensible, good discourse,
and very well delivered for his first time of preaching."

The parting of the ways was at hand. Mr. Parker informed
the wardens and vestry, July 18, 1776, that he could not with
safety perform the entire service as before, that he was inter-
rupted the previous Lord's Day when reading the prayers for
the King, and that he had received threats of interruption and
insult in case of a repetition, and was fearful of damage to the
church ; and he desired counsel and advice. The wardens and
vestry decided (the proprietors concurring), as the only alterna-
tive for shutting up the church, in view of the temper and
spirit of the people, to request the minister to omit the part of
the liturgy which related to the King ; and Mr. Parker acted
accordingly.

Mr. Walter left for England in 1776. The proprietors,
April 10, 1776, invested Mr. Parker, the assistant minister, for
one year with all the powers of incumbent minister. Three
years afterwards they voted, June 13, 1779, after correspond-
ence with Mr. Parker, that "■ tlie church has not an incum-
bent minister, 12 yeas, 4 nays." Two of the proprietors, Colonel
Hatch and Mr. Bethune, withdrew before the vote. A week
later Mr. Parker was chosen incumbent minister at a salary of
three pounds sterling a week ; and after some reflection on the
propriety of taking the place in view of his friendly relations
with Mr. Walter, he accepted, July 25.i Some idea of the
condition of the church shortly after the siege had ended may
be had from Rowe's entry May 26, 1776: "Mr. Parker
preached a well adapted and good discourse. I staid at the
sacrament this day, about fifty communicants." The proprie-
tors of King's Chapel proposed, April 4, 1776, in view of the
financial difficulty in keeping both churches open, a united
service at the Chapel for both churches, with Mr. Parker as the

1 The " Memorial History of Boston," iii. 129, says that " Mr. Parker became
rector soon after the war," which is not strictly correct. A. H. Cliester's
*' Trinity Church," p. 11, lias the same error.

4

26 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

minister; but Trinity Church (Rowe being chairman of the
committee) declined to suspend their own services.

Rowe, while a loyal Episcopalian, was observant of what
was going on in other denominations, sometimes attending
their special services, as the installation of Rev. Samuel Blair,
in Dr. Sewall's Meeting House, Nov. 19, 1766, where Mr.
Pemberton prayed and Mr. Blair preached ; the ordination of
Rev. Simeon Howard at the West Church, May 6, 1767, where
Dr. Chauncy preached, and " before and after the ceremony
there was an anthem sung " ; the preaching of an Indian
minister, Mr. Oatum (Aug. 22, 1773), at Mr. Moorhead's, the
Presbyterian church in Long Lane, afterwards Federal Street ;
the election sermon of Rev. Mr. Shute of Hinghani (^May 25,
1768), — "a very long sermon, being an hour and forty min-
utes." The entry July 9, 1766, is : " This morning about five
of clock the Rev^ Dr. Mayhew died much lamented by great
numbers of people." These seem to have been the best days
of the Quakers in Boston, who had had a place of worship in
the town for more than a hundred years. Rowe notes, July 21,
1769: "This afternoon Mrs. Rachel Willson, the famous Quaker
preacher, preached in Faneuil Hall to at least twelve hundred
people ; she seems to be a woman of good understanding."

A very interesting religious event of this period in Massa-
chusetts was the visit of the most renowned evangelist of
modern times, George Whitefield. These were his last days ;
he was to sleep in the land he loved so well ; and his sepulchre
is where his voice was last heard calling sinners to repentance.
He came to us in the midst of great excitement on public
affairs ; and it is pleasant to think of him that our fathers had
his sympathies, and that in the last letter he is known to liave
written, just a week before his death, he said feelingly: " Poor
New England is much to be pitied, Boston most of all. How
falsely misrepresented ! " Whitefield came from Wrentham to
Boston Aug. 14, 1770. He preached at the old North Church
the 15th, at Dr. Sewall's the 16th, at Dr. Eliot's the 17th, at
Mr. Pemberton's the 18th, at the New North (Dr. Eliot's) the
20th, at Dr. Sewall's the 21st and 22d, at the New North the
23d, at Dr. Sewall's the 24th, at Cambridge the 27th, at
Charlestown the 28th,i at the Old South the 29th, at the New

1 Tyerman's " Life of Whitefield," ii. 5'.)2, reverses the dates at Cambridge and
Charlestown.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN EOWE. 27

North the 30th, at Jamaica Plain the 31st, at Milton Septem-
ber 1st, at Roxbury the 2cl, at the Old booth the 3d ; and on
the 4th he set out for Portsmouth. The Diary does not give
a record of services on August 19th, 25th, and 26th.^ Rowe
heard him twice, on August 16th and 24th, and notes the text
on both occasions, saying of the first sermon (text Zechariah
ix. 12, 1st clause), "I liked his discourse," and of the second
(text St. Matthew xxii. 11-13), "This was in my opinion a
clever discourse." His entry Sunday, September 30, is,
" The Rev"^ Mr. Whitfield died suddenly this morning at New-
berry, much lamented." His death was at 6 a. m., probably
oi angina pectoris ; and a special messenger must have been
despatched to carry the intelligence to Boston.^

Among the pageants of the town, funeral ceremonies were
the foremost. Those of eminent clergymen and lawyers and of
civil or military ofiicers drew a multitude of spectators. Rev.
Dr. Mayhew was buried July 11, 1766, — a day when the ther-
mometer stood at 90°. Besides a long procession of men and
women on foot, preceding and following the remains, were
fifty-seven carriages, of which sixteen were coaches and char-
iots, — Dr. Chauncy making the prayer and many clergymen
attending. Similar rites accompanied, April 17, 1767, " the
mournful funeral of Rowe's worthy and much lamented friend,"
Rev. Mr. Hooper, with " a great concourse and multitude of
people attending the solemnity hardly to be conceived, ... so
great at the [Trinity] church that a great many gentlemen and
ladies could not get in. . . . Rev'^ Mr. Walter preached a very
pathetick and moving discourse." " A great concourse of
people attended the funeral " of the Rev. Mr. Moorhead, Dec. 6,
1773. The funerals of Captain Hay of the warship " Tamar,"
March 23, 1773, and particularly of Lieutenant-Governor An-
drew Oliver, March 8, 1774, combined civic and military pomp,
— coaches, chariots, solemn music, Hancock and his Cadets, the

^ His bioijraplier, Tyerman (ii. 592), says that lie preached at Maiden the 19th
and at Medford on the 26th. Neither he nor the Boston newspapers take note
specially of his preaching on the 25th.

- Rome of the clergymen were not well affected towards Whitefield's theology
and metliotls. This was the case with "Rev. Nathaniel Robbins of Milton, who
refused to admit Whitefield to his church ; and the latter preached in the open air
on Milton Hill, in front of the house which was the former home of Williiim
Foye, provincial treasurer, under an elm which stood till the storm of 185L
Teele's " History of Milton," pp. 116, 117.

28 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

firing of minute-guns, and the presence of officials of high rank.
Henry Vassall's funeral at Cambridge, March 22, 1769, is de-
scribed as "a very handsome funeral and a great number of
people and carriages." But the most august rites in honor of
the dead accompanied, Sept. 12, 1767, the burial of Jeremiah
Gridley, the great lawyer of the Province, father of the bar of
Boston, master and guide of John Adams in legal studies,
Grand Master of the Masons (Rowe being then Deputy Grand
Master). Preceding the remains were the officers of his regi-
ment and one hundred and sixty-one Masons in full regalia and
bearing the symbols of the order ; and following them were the
Lieutenant-Governor, the judges and James Otis as bearers,
then relatives, lawyers in their robes, gentlemen of tiie town,
a great many coaches, chariots, and chaises, with " such a mul-
titude of spectators as Rowe had never before seen since he had
been in New England," After the interment the procession
returned in the same order to the Town House, whence the
body had been taken at the beginning. Ptowe remarks of the
display: "I do not much approve of such parade and show;
but as it was his and his relations' desire, I could not well avoid
giving my consent."

Notwithstanding the Act of 1750 prohibiting " stage plays
and other theatrical entertainments," our fathers found ways
of amusing themselves with public exhibitions which sometimes
came almost if not quite within the statute. There was, Oct. 26,
1764, an afternoon " show at the White Horse which was a
very faint representation of the city of Jerusalem ; in short tis
a great imposition on the publick." March 13, 1765, Rowe
" went in the evening over to Gardner's to see the Orphan
acted, which was miserably performed, about 210 persons
there." Sept. 15, 1767, he " spent the evening at Blodget's
in seeing Hinds, the ballance master, perform ; he is but a
clumsy hand." March 23, 1770, he " went in the evening to
the Concert Hall to hear Mr. Joan read the Beggars Opera
and sing the songs ; he read but indifferently, but sung in
taste ; there were upwards one hundred people there." The
legal restrictions imi)Osed by a Puritan State were suspended
during the British occupation. These are some of Rowe's
notes: Dec. 29, 1775, "The Busy Body acted tonight";
Jan. 22, 1776, " This evening the tragedy of Tamerlane,

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 29

to which was added the Blockade of Boston/ was performed
at Faneuil Hall" ; Feb. 24, 1776, " Last evening the Wonder
of Wonders was acted and generally approved off."

The town was not without musical entertainments. Jan. 5,
1768, at Joseph Harrison's in the evening, " Mr. Mills of
New Haven entertained us most agreeably on his violin ;
I think he plays the best of any performer I ever heard."
March 16, 1769, " Spent the evening at the Fife Major's
concert at Concert Hall ; there was a large and genteel com-
pany and the best musick I have heard performed there."
Jan. 3, 1771, " Spent the evening at Concert Hall, where
there was a concert performed by Hartly Morgan and others ;
after the concert a dance. The Commodore and all the cap-
tains of the navy here was there, and Colo. Dalrymple, and fifty
or sixty gentlemen and the same number of ladies present."
Feb. 8, 1771, " Mr Morgan, the fidler, had a benefit concert
tonight." Oct. 15, 1771, " I spent the former part of the
evening at the Concert Hall, it being Mr. Propert's concert ;
a good company, upwards of 200." The same person, who
was the organist at Trinity Church, gave three concerts at the
Coffee House, March 3, 17, 31, 1773, with " good music " be-
before " a very genteel company." March 15, 1771, Mr.
Propert at Rowe's House " diverted us all the evening by
playing on Sucky's [In man's] spinnet and joyned by Mr. J.
Lane in singing ; Propert is a fine hand." Two other diver-
sions may be noted here. At a tavern, Jan. 22, 1767, " a stran-
ger diverted us much in playing the slight of hand." At
Howe's house, Jan. 29, 1770, " Mr. J. Lane read us the divert-
ing farce, the Mayor of Garratt." It was before the days of
Gall and Spurzheim ; but, July 31, 1769, " In the evening I
went to hear Mr. Douglass lecture on heads ; he performed
well."

There were feats of horsemanship, precursors of the modern
circus. Nov. 1, 1771, " After dinner we went over to Bracket's
and see a Yorkshire man stand upon a horse's back and gallop
him full speed, afterwards upon two horses, and after that on
three ; he endeavored to make all them gallop as fast as he could ;
then lie mounted a single horse and run him full speed, and while
running he jumped off and on three several times." Sept. 8,
Oct. 5, 12, 1773, there were other like performances by Mr.

1 Washington was travestied in this performance.

30 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Bates, " a smart active and strong man, and doing everything
to general acceptance."

Rowe was a leader in all social affairs. Every colonial man-
sion was open to bira. As merchant, Mason, member of clubs,
an officer of Trinity Church, a citizen active in public con-
cerns, a leader in public and private festivities, he knew every
one in the town wlio was not altogether obscure. In his Diary
all the principal personages pass again and again before us,
whether official persons or conspicuous citizens, — Bernard,
Hutchinson, Otis, Hancock, Bowdoin, Gushing, the Quincys,
Adamses, Olivers, Gridleys, Boylstons, Auchmutys, Grays,
Vassalls, Pitts, Inches, Phillips, Brimmer, Apthorp, Boutineau,
Goldthwait, Swift, Hallowell, Timmins, Amory, all the lead-
ing clergymen and physicians, and a hundred more bearing
familiar names. When the British evacuated Boston at the
end of the siege, many of his best friends and some of his kins-
folk left also ; and their names appear in Sabine's " Loj^alists,"
and in Hutchinson's and Curwen's journals, and in the records
of confiscated estates which we could wish our fathers had not
left us as subjects of explanation and apology.

The amount of gayety and feasting in Boston in the period
preceding the Revolution appears prominently in Rowe's Diary.
It is safe to say that nothing like it exists to-day in any Amer-
ican town of less than twenty thousand inhabitants. The hour
of dining was in the earl 3^ afternoon, and that of the supper in
the evening. Rowe records a great number of private meals,
with names of guests, — friends, relatives, officers of the army
and navy, or visitors from other Colonies or from Europe.
We get only glimpses of the menu. French novelties had
not yet come into vogue ; and the dishes were substantial,
mostly English. We hear nothing of soups; but turtle (how
served it is not stated), venison, and salmon seem to have been
the choicest dishes which could be set before guests. Rowe
had at home, Oct. 10, 17G9, " the finest haunch of venison "
he had ever seen, and, March 20, 1765, "a fine lamb for
dinner ; the whole weighed 28 lbs. ; this is the first lamb I have
tasted this season." He dined, Dec. 12, 1772, at Hancock's,
on "the fattest venison" he had ever seen. Other dishes
named are a " pigg which proved tuff" (Sept. 18, 1764; Aug.
4, 1769); "a fine hard quarter of veal " (Feb. 8, 1776); " buf-
falow stakes which were very tender " (April 9, 1770); par-

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 31

tridges, the first of the season (Aug. 30, 1766) ; fresh cod
(March 5, 1765), " turtogue " (Sept. 4, 1767), and fresh-water
fish, — trout, pike, and perch, often very large, and caught by
Rowe himself. The only vegetable named is green peas,
picked from his own garden (June 16, 1767). Of the fruits
which now complete a dinner or give relish to a breakfast or
tea, nothing is said except that at Inman's one afternoon
(July 6, 1768) there was at tea " a fine desert of cherrys and
strawberries," the last doubtless growing wild. " A good large
plumb cake" accompanied, June 5, 1709, "a fine ball and
excellent music in Faneuil Hall."

The Diary suggests the beverages of the time. Then, as in
more modern periods, Boston people delighted in Old Madeira.
Hutchinson, in his almanac for 1770, notes: " July 19, paid
John Rowe for a qr. cask of Port, £8." At a dinner at Rowe's,
July 5, 1765, "■ Christo. Minot was very wroth with Mr. Inman
for introducing some sterlg. Madeira on his new coat from one
of the Leghorn glasses not well managed." May 1, 1766,
"After dinner came Capt. Solo. Davis and Mr. H. Bethune
to drink Welch ale." At the dinner on the Queen's birthday
at Concert Hall (Jan. 18, 1771) there was " very good dancing
and good musick, but very bad wine and punch." At Mrs.
Cordis's tavern (March 25, 1767) her patrons " regulated the
price of wine and punch with her, twenty shillings a double
bowl punch, thirty shillings a bottle Madeira." March 7, 1767,
" we went to Capt. Bennets and drank a bottle of Madeira with
Lewis Gray and Capt. Doble."

The private dinners at which Rowe was host or guest bring
before us the principal citizens of Boston at that time. One
misses altogether, in the repeated lists of names, Paul Revere,
not then ranking with people of social consideration, and finds
only in a very few instances Samuel Adams sharing in the
conviviality. The last-named, with Hancock and Gushing,
dines with Rowe May 5, 1767, and again Feb. 15, 1774, in com-
pany with Colonel James Warren of Plymouth, and other
guests, not of Boston, bearing military titles. Rowe meets
Adams at a dinner at Henderson Inches's, Jan. 7, 1775, in
company with the clergymen Hunt and Bacon, Ezekiel Gold-
thwait. Gushing, and Arnold Wells. Otherwise Samuel Adams
is not traced at dinners and clubs, except at the Fire Club.

Rowe's relations as friend and client with John Adams seem

32 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

to have been very cordial, and the latter was as often in Boston
life as his residence at Quincy much of the time permitted.
Rowe meets " Mr. Adams of Braintree, lawyer," at Bracket's,
the tavern, Jan. 28, 1765, in company with gentlemen nearly
all bearing military titles. At a missing point in Rowe's Diary,
John Adams enters in his, Dec. 20, 1765 : ^ " Went to Bos-
ton ; dined with Mr. Rowe in company with Messrs. Gridley,
Otis, Kent, and Dudley." Rowe has at dinner, Sept. 4,

1766, " Mr. Addams of Braintree, lawyer," in company with
" Mr. Payne of Taunton," and also has Adams to dine Feb. 24,

1767. He notes, March 6, 1769, a dinner at Major Cunningham's
with him, " his two sons, all his officers of his company,
the Rev. Dr. Elliot, Mr. Henderson Inches, Mr. John Adams,
lawyer," and others. June 16, 1769, Rowe's guests were
James Otis, Mrs. Otis, Mr. Walton and Mr. Dennison of New
York, Brigadier-General Brattle, John Adams, Mr. Dana the
lawyer, Mr. Benjamin Kent the lawyer, Mr. John Timmins,
Captain Solomon Davis, Thomas and William Apthorp.
Adams records in his own Diary, Feb. 26, 1770, calling at
Rowe's house to warm liimself, and their going out together
to attend a funeral. Adams, as appears by Rowe's Diary
Aug. 19, 1766, June 17, Nov. 2, 3, 1772, had law business in
Taunton and Ipswich in which Rowe was concerned as client
or witness.

Rowe had pleasant relations with James Otis, and they met
from time to time in a social and friendly way (July 6, 1768;
June 16, 1769). Rowe dined, April 1, 1767, at Otis's, where
were Mrs. Otis, Jeremiah Gridley, Mr. Grant of Halifax, Mr.
Hughes, Andrew Belcher, Mr. Amiel, and John Dennie. He
was also in friendly intercourse with Jolin Hancock.

Some entertainments given by Rowe may be noted : Jan. 9,
1770, " Dined at home with his Honor, the Lient.-Governl',
his brother Foster Hutchinson, Esq., Colo. Dalrymple, Capt.
Caldwell, Mr. Nicholas Boylston, Mr. Inman, Mr. John Lane,
Mrs. Rowe." Aug. 6, 1770, " I dined at home with Colin
Campbell, Esq., and his lady, Colo. Dalrymple and Capt.
Mason of the 14"' regiment, Capt. Robertson and his son,
Capt. Rob' Linzee,^ Capt. Bellew, Capt. Porter, Mr. Inman,
Mrs. Rowe, and Sucky." Feb. 23, 1774, the partj'- consisted

1 Works, ii. 158.

2 Afterwards Rear Admiral, brother of Captain Joiin Linzee.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN EOWE. 33

of John Hancock, Joseph Hawley, Robert Treat Paine, John
Pickermg, Jedediah Preble of Falmouth (Portland), Isaac
Lathrop of Plymouth, William Sever of Kingston, Gorham
of Charlestovvn, and the Inmans. Frequently before the war
Rowe gave dinners to the British officers, military and naval
(Oct. 19, 1770 ; Feb. 25, Nov. 15, 1774 ; Feb. 15 and April
13, 1775), and, after the British evacuated, to American offi-
cers (Sept. 4, 1776). "A genteel dance" was given for
"Sucky" Inman, Feb. 21, 1770, at which military officers
were most prominent, — among them Captain Preston, who
was shortly to become an historical character.

There were dinners which Rowe attended, — at Governor
Bernard's, Nov. 23, 1764, where were Boutineau, Pitts, Erving,
Hancock, Samuel Wentworth, and Dr. Chauncy ; at the Sur-
veyor-General's (John Temple) Feb. 2, 1767, where were the
Secretary (Andrew Oliver), Mrs. Robert Temple, Colonel Gor-
ham, Dr. Bulfinch, Rev. Mr. Walter, Rev. Mr. Troutbeck, and
"Miss Alice Wliipple, the fair Quaker" ; at Governor Hutch-
inson's, Dec. 30, 1772, wliere were the families of himself
and Lieutenant-Governor Oliver, Dr. Gardner, the clergymen
Caner, Byles, Walter, and Troutbeck ; at Nicholas Boylston's,
whose sumptuous furniture impressed John Adams ^ (Jan. 2,
1768 ; Jan. 4, Oct. 31, 1769 ; May 16, 1770), and at whose enter-
tainments the distiuguished people of the town were to be
found ; at Hancock's, Aug. 8, 1766, where were James Pitts,
Treasurer Gray, James Otis, Thomas Gushing, and Benjamin
Gerrish, and Dec. 12, 1772, where were ''Madam Hancock,
Solo. Davis, Judge Read, Thos. Brown, Thos. Brattle, Timo.
Fitch, Tuthill Hubbard and James Perkins" ; and " the fattest
venison " which Rowe had ever seen was served.

Rowe recounts the guests at numerous dinners he attended, —
as at Ezekiel Goldth wait's in Roxbury, Aug. 23, 1766 ; Thomas
Flucker's, April 16, 1773 ; Ralph Inman's in Boston, July 13,
1776; Tuthill Hubbard's, Aug. 7, 1776; and Mrs. Coffin's,
Nov. 19, 1778.

Rowe kept open house for friends from the country, and he
notes their dining with him, — Tristram Dalton of Newberry
(July 16, 1765 ; May 16, 18, 1766 ; Aug. 19, 1772 ; xMarch 30,
1774 ; Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 1776 ; Feb. 14, 19, 1779) ; Epps Sergeant
of Gloucester (Aug. 17, 1768 ; March 22, June 17, 1772) ; Cap-

1 Works, ii. 179.

34 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOKICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

tain Thomas Gerry of Marbleliead (Sept. 13, 1769), and his
son Elbridge, then rising to distinction (May 26, 1767 ; June
29, 1770) ; ^Robert Treat Puine of Taunton (Feb. 8, March 1,
1767) ; Colonel John Chandler of Worcester and Colonel
John Murray of Rutland (March 1, June 8, 10, 1767 ; Dec. 3,
5, 1769) ; and General Timothy Ruggles of Hard wick (March
1, 1767). He had (Sunday, Jan. 10, 1768) General Winslow of
Marshfield to dine with him ; and after church he spent an
hour at Mrs. Bracket's, the tavern, with General Winslow,
General Ruggles, Colonel Bradford, Mr. Sever of Kingston,
and Major Alden.

Occasionally there were guests from other Colonies, — an
Izzard, Burrows, and Powell from South Carolina, or a Liv-
ingston, King, and Mercer from New York (July 15, Aug. 21,
1767; Aug. 6, 7, 8, Sept. 6, 7, Oct. 15, 19, 21, 23, 1776) ; visi-
tors or traders from the West Indies (Aug. 27, 1772; Sept. 6,
1776) ; Mr. Conner of Madeira and Mr. Conner of Teneriffe
(Nov. 16, 1772) ; occasionally Frenchmen and Spaniards (July
16, 1772) ; and Englishmen who came for trade or curiosity
(Oct. 12, Nov. 23, 1772), now and then bearing titles, as for
instance Lord and Lady William Campbell (Oct. 25, 30, 1771;
July 4, 1772). The English officers, civil and military, were
much in social request ; and some of them had to seek Rowe's
good offices to relieve them from arrest for debt or other diffi-
culties, as in the cases of Sir Thomas Rich of the " Senegal "
(Nov. 7, 1771), and Captain John Linzee (Aug. 26, 27, 28, 31,
1772). Rowe often notes the sailing or arrival of passengers,
both English and American, to or from England ; and there
seems to have been more communication between the town
and the mother country than between the town and the Col-
onies lying southward. It is thus easy to understand how
Boston at an early day acquired a distinctively English stamp.

A romantic character appears transiently in Rowe's pages, —
Lady Frankland, born Agnes Surriage in 1726, the Marblehead
girl, celebrated in Holmes's ballad, who attracted the e3'e of
Sir Charles Henry Frankland, great-grandson of Frances Crom-
well, the daughter of the Protector.^ He had come to Boston

1 Sir Charles Henry Frankland, by Elias Nason ; Foote's Annals of King's
Cliapel, i. 515-518. Frankland did not come to liis title till the death of his uncle
in 1747. His memorandum book or journal is preserved in the cabinet of this
Society.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 35

as royal collector in 1741. Though closely identified with
King's Chapel as vestryman in the years 1743-44 and 1746-54,
he was a benefactor of Trinity Church, giving, as a[)pears by
its records, a subscription for its first organ which was exceeded
only by the amounts contributed by Peter Faneuil and Henry
Vassall. Besides his city house next to Hutchinson's,^ he
bought, as is well known, an estate in Hopkinton, now Ashland,
where he placed his mistress, whom several years afterwards
he married at Lisbon, in gratitude for her having rescued him
at the time of the earthquake in 1755. Sir Henry and Lady
Frankland were again in Boston in 1756, and they entertained
the Rowes and lumans Jan. 26, 1757. They left the country
Feb. 23, 1758.

Once or twice more Frankland came to Boston, and return-
ing to England died near Bath, Jan. 11, 1768. He was
accompanied by Henry Ciomwell, said to be his natural son,
born in February, 1741, before his acquaintance with the
Marblehead girl whom he took with him to Boston and
Hopkinton, A few months after her husband's death Lady
Frankland and Henry Cromwell sailed for Boston. Rowe's
entries concerning them are : June 8, 1768. " Capt. Free-
man arrived from Bristol, in whom came passengers Lady
Frankland and Henry Cromwell." June 9. " Dined at home
with ]\Ir. Henry Cromwell, Lady Frankland, Mr. Inman,
Capt. Solo. Davis, Mrs. Rowe, and Sucky. After dinner
Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Harrison paid us a visit, spent the
evening at home with the same company." July 6. " After
dinner Mr. James Otis and myself went to Mr. Inman's,
where we found Colo. Phipps and wife, Mr. John Apthorp
and wife, Capt. Solo. Davis and wife, Mr. Cromwell and Lady
Frankland," and others. July 7. " Dined at Colo. David
Phipps at Cambridge, with him and wife, INIr. John Apthorp
and wife, Mr. William Davis and wife, Mr. Henry Cromwell,
Mr. Inman, Lady Frankland," and others. July 9. " Dined at
Ten Hills with Mr. Robt. Temple and wife, Mr. Cromwell,
Lady Frankland, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Fenton, Mrs. Fenton,
Mr. Inman, Mrs. Inman, Mrs. Rowe, Miss Bessy Temple
and Mr. Temple's 4 daughters ; in the afternoon we were
joyned by Mr. John Temple, the surveyor and lady." July

^ Memorial History of Boston, ii. 525-527, wli&re a picfure of tlie liouse is
given.

3G MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

26. " Spent the afternoon with Lady Frankland, Mrs. McNeal,
Mrs. W" Gould, Mrs. Rowe, and Sucky." July 28. " Dined
at home with Capt. Joseph Williams, Mr. Henry Cromwell,
Mr. Tristram Dalton, Mr. Inman, Mrs. Rowe, Sucky, and
George Inman." August 24. "Spent the evening at Lady
Frankland's with her and her sister, Mr. Cromwell, Madam
Apthorp, Dr. Bulfinch, Mrs. Bulfinch, Mr. Inman, ]\Irs. Rowe,
and Sucky." August 30. "Dined at Mr. Laviount's at Cam-
bridge with him and Mrs. Laviount, Mr. Cromwell and Lady
Frankland," the rest being Sheaffes, Phippses, Apthorps,
Greenleafs, Davises, and Inmans. Rowe meets Cromwell
September 16 and November 1 in large companies. Novem-
ber 9. " Spent the remainder [of the evening] at home with
Mr. Inman, Mr. Cromwell, Lady Frankland, her sister, Mrs.
Rowe, and Sucky." December 1. " Spent the evening at
Capt. Solomon Davis, with him, Mrs. Davis, . . . Lady Frank-
land, Mr. Cromwell," and others. March 22, 17G9. " Dined at
Mr. Inman's at Cambiidge with him, Mr. Cromwell, Lady
Frankland," and others. Lady Frankland and Cromwell
were of a party at Menotomy Pond Aug. 28, 1773 ; and they
disappear at this date from Rowe's Diary. Lady Fiankland
probably left shortly after for her estate in Hopkinton. She
and Cromwell remained there till 1775, when after some ob
struction they were allowed by the Provincial Congress to go to
Boston, and not long after sailed for England, never to return.^
The curious history of Agnes Surriage is only pursued thus far
in order to illustrate Rowe's Diary. It may be added that she
married in 1782 John Drew, a banker of Chichester, and died,
April 23, 1783, at the age of fifty-seven. The onl}^ glimpses
of her sojourn in Boston after her return as a widow are now
for the first time obtained from Rowe's Diary.

Henry Cromwell's origin is involved in obscurity. Sir Charles
Henry Frankland is usually named as his putative father,but the
history which comes nearest the time makes him the natural son
of Sir Thomas Frankland, Sir Charles's uncle and immediate
predecessor in the title.^ No writer makes any suggestion as to
his maternity. He entered the English navy, rose to be a cap-
tain, and was with Admiral Kempenfclt in an action off the

1 Memorial History of Boston, iii. 77.

2 Noble's Memoirs of tlie House of Cromwell, ii. 423, 424. Noble makes two
mistakes, — giviiifj Agines's name as " Brown," and friviiifi; " Colcliester " instead
of Chichester as the place where she passed the latter part of her life.

1895.] DIAKY OF JOHN ROWE. 37

French coast Nov. 14, 1781. He is said to have been living
and to have had a family in Chichester in 1796. Nason makes
a statement which is not trustworthy, — that, " being unwilling
to fight against his native country, he retired from the service
previous to the close of the Revolution." There is no evidence
of his American birth, and the dates indicate an English birth.
It appears by Steel's " List of the Royal Navy," page 20, that
his first commission was in 1781, and that, instead of leaving
the navy, he was still in it in 1797, with the rank of captain.

"Weddings were the occasion of good cheer and gayety.
Rowe mentions, Nov. 8, 1764, " Mr. Thos. Amory married
Miss Betty Coffin this evening; there was a great company
at old Mr. Coffin's on the occasion, and a great dance." ^ He
records, Jan. 13, 1767, "a wedding frollick" at John Erving,
Jr.'s, where he " had the pleasure to dance with the bride."
Feb. 2, 1768. " This morning Miss Polly Hooper was married
in Trinity Church to Mr. John Russell Spence by the Rev'' Mr.
Walter ; a great concourse of people attended on the occasion.
Dined at Mrs. Hooper's with her, the new bridegroom and
bride." A laige number of guests were present, — Hallo wells,
Apthorps, Murrays, Greenleafs, and others, — remaining to tea
and joining in the evening in a dance. " We were merry, and
spent the whole day very clever and agreeable."

There were once in two weeks in the winter and spring, be-
ginning with the first of January, dancing-assemblies at Concert
Hall. The Governor and military and naval officers quite
often attended them, and Rowe describes them many times as
"very brilliant." The number of gentlemen and ladies in
attendance was usually rather more than a hundred, and some-
times it rose to two hundred. Feb. 10, 1768. "Spent the
evening at the assembly, which was a very brilliant one,
the Governour and Lady, all the commissioners, Mr. Harri-
son, and too many to enumerate." March 15, 1769. " Spent
the evening at the assembly with the Governour, Commodore,
General, Colo. Kerr, Colo. Lesly, Major Furlong, Major Flem-
ing, Major Fordyce, a great number of officers of the navy
and arm}^ and gentlemen and ladies of the town, that is, was a
brilliant assembly and very good dancing." Other assembly

1 The bride's portrait belongs to the family of the late William Amory of
Boston.

38 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

evenings are noted March 1, 29, April 12, 1769; Jan. 4, 18,
Feb. 1, March 14, May 3, June 4, 1771 ; Jan. 2, 30, 1772 ; Jan.
18, 1773.

Tliere were several political clubs in Boston in Rowe's time,
but he belonged to none of them. He was however an habit-
ual visitor at clubs social or commercial, going almost every
evening to one or another. More often than any otlier he
sought the " Possee" ; but what was its bond of fellowship is
not known. It had a limited number of members, as follows:
John Avery, John Box, William Coffin Senior, Samuel Deming,
Deacon Thomas Foster, Benjamin Greene, Rafus Greene,
William Henshaw, Francis Johonnot, James Richardson, and
John Rowe. Samuel Swift, the lawyer, usually met with
them, though perhaps rather as a guest than as a member.
Occasionally a member introduced a guest who lived in the
country.

The Fire Club, meeting at Mrs. Cordis's or at Ingersoll's,
was made up of George Bethune, Melatiah Bourne, James
Boutineau, Nicholas and Thomas Boylston, John Brown, John
Dennie, Solomon Davis, Benjamin Faneuil, Samuel Fitch,
Thomas Flucker, Harrison Gray, Capt. Jerry Green, Joseph
Green, Dr. William Lloyd, Master John Lovell, William Moli-
neux, and William Sheaffe. Rowe's first meeting with them
was Sept. 5, 1768. On the same page where he states this
fact he writes, " The word, Ask more," which may have been
the password. Joseph Green, who was piesent Sept. 4, 1769,
is mentioned as " the poet."

Rowe attended, Nov. 7, 14, 1764, the Wednesday Night
Club, probably having no connection with the Wednesday
Evening Club of a later date. He also mentions, July 4,
1767, meeting the " No. 5 Club," made up of prominent citi-
zens whom he names.

The chief rendezvous of the leading citizens was, however,
at Mrs. Cordis's, — " the British Coffee House in the front room
towards the Long wharf where the Merchants Club has met
this twenty years." ^ Lawyers as well as merchants came
hither, probably every evening. In 1767 the meetings were
at Mrs. Cordis's ; but about 1772 they were held at Colonel
Joseph Ingersoll's Bunch of Grapes in King Street, and when
he left Boston, at Captain Marston's, either in King Street or

1 John Adams's Diary, Works, ii. 290-

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN KOWE. 39

Merchants' Row. The names of persons whom Rowe met at
these resorts — some on one evening and some on another,
and all of them recurring again and again in his pages — are
John Amiel, George Apthorp, Nat. and George Bethune,
Joshua Blanchard, Melatiah and William Bourne, James Bou-
tineau, John and Nicholas Boylston, Thomas Brattle, Edward,
Solomon, and William Davis, John Dennie, Joseph Dowse,
John Erving, Samuel Fitch, Thomas Flucker, Ezekiel Gold-
tliwait, Thomas Gray, Treasurer Harrison Gray, John Han-
cock, Samuel Hughes, Nat. Hide, Henderson Inches, Joseph
Jackson, William Molineux, James Otis, Edward Payne, James
Perkins, Dr. William Lee Perkins, Samuel Quincy, Joseph
Scott, John Timmins, James Warden, Edward Wendell, and
Joshua Winslow, and the lawyers Gridley, Sewall, and Swift.

The habit of frequenting insurance offices for reading news-
papers and hearing gossip belongs to a later date ; but Rowe
records, Aug. 22, 1768 : " Spent the evening at the North In-
surance office with James Otis, Solo. Davis, John Erving,
Thos. Brattle, Capt. Vernon, Nat. Barber, Andrew Clark,
and John White."

Club life as well as public festivities were mostly suspended
after the battle of Lexington, except on special occasions like
the visit of the French fleet.

The usual drives in the country were round Jamaica Pond
or in Roxbury and Dorchester, sometimes " over the Neck
round the little Square" (July 29, Aug. 10, 1774), and some-
times as far as Milton (April 6, 1769). Rowe often drove to
Roxbury to see his old friend and relative Robert Gould, an
invalid, till the latter's death early in 1772 (May 5, June 22,
1765). In the summer of 1771 he used to diive to Savin Hill,
"• a very agreeable rural spot," to a place which his friend
Thomas Brattle had hired, where an agreeable company some-
times gathered for afternoon tea (May 16, June 3). The
drive we may presume was often in a chaise ; but sometimes
Mrs. Rowe "took an airing in the chariot" (Sept. 2, 1766).
The drives were to the south, as communication with the north
was so circuitous. For instance, a party set out, Nov. 10, 1772,
in Paddock's coach for Salem (Rowe's chaise accompanying it).
" We went all round through Cambridge and dineji at Martin's;
we q:ot to Salem about four of clock."

40 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

The suburbs of Boston were attractive in those as in later
days. At Milton lived Thomas Hutchinson, in a house stand-
ing till 187:^, which looked out on river and ocean in front and
the Blue Hills in the rear, — a house then filled with sons and
daughters. He loved that home on Unquity Hill, parted from
it with deep regret, and sighed in exile to return to it. Rowe
drove to Hutchinson's mansion to make calls, and sometimes
on official business (June 16, Sept. 11, 1766; July 13, 1773).
He had friendly relations with Daniel Vose, the merchant
of the place, at whose house "at the Milton Bridge," still
standing near the railway station, the Suffolk Resolves were
passed ; and dined there, May 6, 1769, in company with
Dr. Catherwood, Joshua Winslow, Jr., and others. But the
house in Milton which he sought the most was that of James
Smith on Brush Hill, still standing, and for a long period
the home of the late James M. Robbins. Smith, who died
in 1769 at the age of eighty, was a wealthy sugar-refiner, and
owned an estate of one hundred and seventy-one acres run-
ning to the Neponset River.^ He had also a farm at Water-
town, where he gave a distinguislied dinner-party July 15,
1767. His second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, born Murray,
was of a Scotch family ; and her maiden name is found in
the middle names of her descendants, the late Mr. Robbins,
and others who are still living in Milton. She became by a
third marriage Rowe's kinswoman.^ He records in a quaint
way the courtship of herself and his brother-in-law Inman:
July 22, 1771. "After dinner [at Rowe's] Mr. Inman intro-
duced his design to Mrs. Smith." August 16. " Afternoon
Mr. Inman and Mrs. Rowe paid a visit to Mrs. Smith over to
Goldthwait's. Mr. Inman came home well pleased and agreed
on his plan of matrimony." Rowe notes the publication of
banns at King's Chapel, September 1, and the marriage "• at the
seat of Mr. Ezekiel Goldthwait," September 26, followed by
a dinner at Inman's, where Rowe passed the evening and the
night. Rowe was often at this Brush Hill house, once at
least taking a sleigh-ride there (Jan. 30, 1765) ; and once
Mrs. Rowe was badly bruised (Aug. 18, 1767) by lier carriage
being upset as she was driving there. It was Rowe's sto[)ping-

1 Pictures of the Iliitcliinson, Vose, and Smith houses are in Teele's " History
of Milton."

* She and her second husband, James Smith, are buried at King's Ciiapel.

1895.] DIAHY OF JOHN ROWE. 41

place as he was returning from fishing or business excursions
(July 20, 1765; July 22, 1766). Under this roof often
gathered gay dinner-companies, where were James Murray
and wife ; his daughters Anna, Betsey, and Dorothy ^ (the last
afterwards the wife of Rev. John Forbes) ; old Madam Belcher,
the Governor's widow, and Mrs. Belcher, widow of Andrew
Belclier, who was both Madam's daughter and daughter-in-law;
the Hoopers, Inmans, Vassalls, Amiels, Auchmutys, Goulds,
Temples, Hallowells, Goldth waits. Miss Blowers, Rev. Edward
Winslow ; and Milton neighbors, the Pratts and Clarks (March
28, July 19, 20, 1765 ; July 24, Oct. 23, 1766 ; Aug. 18, 1767 ;
Feb. 7, 25, 1769). Rowe writes of the dinner, March 16, 1773,
" We were very merry." These happy days at Brush Hill
were then coming to a close, the greater number of the festive
company sharing the fate of Loyalists and exiles. The Mur-
ray ladies succeeded in saving the estate itself from confisca-
tion by remaining upon it and keeping very quiet during the
war.^

There were then attractive houses at Cambridge. Rowe
records festivities at several of them, — at Colonel Thomas Oli-
ver's (Dec. 9, 1766; Feb. 22, 1768 ; Aug. 17, 1769), where were
the Brattles, Temples, Vassalls, Byards, Phippses, Van Homes,
Edward Winslow, and Richard Lechmere ; and at John and
Henry Vassall's, where were similar companies (Feb. 16,
1765; Dec. 12, 1766; Feb. 17, 1768). His record for Feb.
20, 1768, was of a dinner at Ten Hills (Mr. Robert Tem-
ple's), where were "Mrs. Temple, Mrs. Eliz"* Hubbard, Miss
Henrietta Temple and 4 daughters of Mr. Temple's, also
Colo. James Otis, his son James Otis, Mr. W™ Bayard, Major
Robt. Byard, Mr. Laviount, Mr. Dewar, Capt. Sheaffe of
Charlestown, Colo, Saltonstall of Haverhill." A dinner at
Colonel David Phipps's (July 7, 1768) has been noted
elsewhere.

In no house in or about Boston were there more lavish
entertainments than at Ralph Inman's in Cambridge, a house
the site of which is just behind the present Cit}'- HalL No
buildings then intervening to obstruct the view, it looked out
on the Charles River and Boston beyond. Noble trees stood in

1 She is buried at King's Chapel. Her portrait is in the possession of her
grandson, John M. Forbes, of Milton.

2 Teele's " History of Milton," pp. 173, 174, 421, 422. *

6

42 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOEICAL SOCIETY. ^Mar

the spacious grounds about it.i Rowe as a kirmi^nn ^o p.

1T71 ; Aug. 25, 1773). ^ ' ^^' ^^'

The entertainments at Inman's anrl ^f P^n
Commencement Day surpas anvthinf 1 ^^' '°°"^' ^"

renowned home of ciluTand hn > r^'' ^""""^ ^" '^^^<^
"the class spreads'' glTin^teniatt't I^t ^^'^^^
Gymnasium and Beck Hall Tn. ^ , ,'' Hemenway

July 17 Hfi'^ ^^rl ^^^ ""'^^^^ ^^^e«e records:

omy u, i(tb. " Commencement Day. Went tn Pc,^i -i
Mrs. Rowe, Polly Hooper, and S Jcky f dlLd at EdS
Wmslow's roora, a very large company ; went o Mr Hn •

M. Hoopers (probacy RoS Stt^'T c^ ot msT
uith a very large company"; and in the evening a dance at

mater o the oeremtw'-s" PT ^""^ "<"^^""^'' -
became Loya,if^7-.nila!''Su:^t^Crj^!^nr

rM^;.rr;4'^^f;itra;:;.;c:S"^^^^^^^^^^^

returned to Cambridge; dined with Mr. David G eene ,vi h
a very urge company, spent the evening there We had »
dance. I was m.aster of the ceremonie., ; sfept at Mr. Imant "
Greene of the Cla,,s of 1768 became a Loyalist. July 17 mi •
'I went to Cambridge and dined with Mr. Inman Po] J
Jones, and Sally Inman ; after dinner I went to S M /
ray s room in the New Colledo-e 2 whpro ti,.... ,

company, the Governour, Co^iil Id" oo^n^ny™: l^Z
rate I staid till six." Colonel John Murrav and hk !

c^::tf°^ "T,f™'^-'«"s »>»-. also his soniruti : : .

class of the following year, became Loyalists.

The fullest record of festivities at Cambridge is in July,

=» Ilollis Hall.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN EOWE. 43

1772. On the 15th Rowe dined at Samuel Murray's room,
where were Colonel Murray the father, Colonel Saltonstall,
Judge Sewall, Colonel Oliver, Samuel Quincy, Major Vassall,
and many other guests whose names are given. Rowe adds :
" After dinner we were visited by the Governour and Council,
Admirall Montague and many other gentlemen too many to
enumerate. I paid a visit to Mr. Jonathan Williams' son and
also Dr. Whitworth's son, both which took their degree."
The record of the next day is as follows : " I went early to Mr.
Inman's, who made the genteelest entertainment I ever saw on
account of his son George taking his degree yesterday. He had
three hundred forty-seven gentlemen and ladies dined, two
hundred and ten at one table, amongst the company the
Governour and family, the Lieut. -Governour and family, the
Admirall and family, and all the remainder gentlemen and
ladies of character and reputation; the whole was conducted
with much ease and pleasure, and all joyned in making each
other happy ; such an entertainment has not been made in
New England before on any occasion." A ball at the Town
House in Cambridge followed, where " all were very happy
and cheerful," and Rowe slept at Inman's. George Inman,
whose college life closed so merrily, left his home three years
later to join the British army, and died at Grenada in the
West Indies in 1789.

These annual festivities were approaching a suspension ; and
Rowe records, July 20, 1774, that " the distressed situation of
the town and Province prevents Commencement Day being
kept publick as usual." Inman's house became General Put-
nam's headquarters duriiig the siege of Boston, — an event
which is commemorated by an inscription on a stone slab placed
on its site by the city of Cambridge. The building itself, re-
moved twenty and more years ago, is now a double tenement
house, recently bereft of its piazza, numbered 64 and 6i} on
Brookline Street in that city, and making the southeast corner
of Brookline and Auburn streets.

Ralph Inman's estate escaped confiscation, and he returned
to live and die upon it, and to bequeath it by a will proved in
July, 1788. He has posterity other than the Linzees living in
Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, descending from the
daughters of his son George, who came with their mother from
Grenada to Massachusetts soon after their father's death, and

44 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOEICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

who were liberally provided for in the wills of their grandfather
and of Hannah Rowe.

One record of a visit to the College may be given here,
June 7, 1769 : " I rose very early and went to Cambridge with
Colo. Robertson, Dr. Catherwood, Major Goldthwait, Lord
George Gordon, Mrs. Rowe and Sucky, and breakfasted at
Mr. Inman's. Afterwards I went with the same company to
the Colledge with Mr. Winthrop [probably Professor John
Winthrop], who was very obliging and shew us the apparatus
which is very elegant, also the library ; from thence I went and
dined at Commodore Loring's with him" and other guests.

Another well-known suburban house was that of Isaac
Royall at " Mystick," or Medford. There, May 3, 1766, be-
sides Rowe, were " i\Iiss Polly and Miss Betsy Royal, General
Brattle, Treasurer Gray, James Otis, Esq., Thos. Cushion
[Gushing], Esq., and Mr. Nathl. Sparhawk." There also,
July 22, 1768, were "■ the Governour and Council, Danforth,
Gray, Flucker, Bowdoin, Isaac Royal, Mr. Pepperell." This
company was to be scattered a few years later, the host and the
larger number of guests becoming Loj^alists. Roj'all is grate-
fully remembered by jurists for the professorship founded by
him at Cambridge.

Rowe attended, Aug. 23, 1773, a large dinner-party at
" Mallden " given by Captain Haskins, where were several
whose names have already appeared in other connections in
these pages.

All the notable houses in the Province were open to Rowe, —
those of the Speakmans, his relatives in Marlborough ; Colonel
John Murray at Rutland (May 21, 23, 1766) ; General Timothy
Ruggles at Hardwick (May 21, 22, 1766); Colonel John Chand-
ler at Worcester (May 12, 1767) ; Robert Treat Paine and Cap-
tain Cobb at Taunton (May 8, July 3, 1766; July 30, 1767)
Edward Winslow at Plymouth (Mav 2, 1765 ; April 28, 1768
April 27, 1769; April 30, May 21, 1770; April 24, 25, 1771)
Nathaniel Ray Thomas (May 1, 1765 ; April 28, 1769) and
General Winslow (April 29, 30, 1767 ; April 25, 26, 1769-;
May 1, 2,1770; April 23,1771), both at Marsh fi el d ; Major
Goldthwait's country home at " Westown " (May 13, 1767) ;
those of several friends in Salem, among them Colonel Pick-
man and Joseph Dowse (Oct. 1, 1767) ; Captain Thomas Gerry
at Marblehead (July 31, 1765 ; July 28, 1776), where were

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 45

his sons Thomas, John, and Elbridge ; and of Tristram Dalton
at " Newberry Old Town," where Rovve dined, July 26, 1776,
when returning from Portsmouth. Of Dalton's place he writes :
"This seat of Mr. Dalton's is most delightfully situated, and
has the most extensive prospect I ever saw, particularly of
the River Merrimack and the sea beyond, Newberry Port and
Hampton Beach."

One gets the impression from this Diary that in the days
before the Revolution there was a country life in New England
in large houses remote from Boston (not summer cottages onl}^)
more interesting and having greater social vitality than anything
like it in those or similar localities in our time.

The public feasting in Boston at this time was beyond any-
thing now seen in places of the same population. There were
merchants' dinners, St. Patrick dinners, charitable society
dinners. Masonic dinners, artillery election dinners, dinners on
board vessels of war and commerce,^ dinners at Faneuil Hall
to celebrate the close of the school year, with clergymen and
official or eminent persons as guests, dinners of the Proprietors
of Long Wharf, dinners on Spectacle, Rainsford, and Noddle's
islands, and at the Light House. There were dinners, often
with dancing, to celebrate the King's accession to the throne,
and the King's and Queen's birthdays, and to express the
public joy at the repeal of the Stamp Act. Rowe was present
at all these, often serving as chairman or toastmaster ; and
he describes with much zest the entertainments as "genteel."
He seemed to enjoy more than any the Masonic dinners which
came twice a year, in June and December; and he always gives
the names of the brethren present. Dec. 27, 1764, he wrote :
" I don't remember St. John, as long as I have belonged to
the fraternity, has been celebrated with more decorum and
more pleasure." The merchants' dinner at the Coffee House,
Dec. 2, 1766, Rowe presiding, to Capt. John Gideon, com-
mander of the warship " Jamaica," just before sailing, was a
notable festivity. Here were all the principal merchants and
citizens, including Hancock, Otis, Edmund Quincy, Gushing,
the Boylstons, Amorys, and Hallowells. Rowe says : " And
a very genteel entertainment it was." A committee, of which
Rowe was a member, had been appointed the day before by the

1 April 21, 1774, on board Rowe's own ship, tlie " Montagu."

46 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

town to express its thanks to Captain Gideon for his conduct
while stationed at Boston.

Sometimes our ancestors feasted on a roasted ox, or " bar-
bikue," — " the ox being carried through the streets in triumj^h "
the day before, — at the Turk's Head, on the Common, at
Faneuil Hall, and Dennis Island (Sept. 28, 1764 ; Aut^. 13,
1765 ; Aug. 1, 1766 ; Aug. 16, 1768 ; May 29, 30, 1770). These
were not occasions for the masses only ; but the leading people,
ladies as well as gentlemen, — Hutchinsons, Olivers, Grays,
Belchers, Sheaffes, Auchmutys, Swifts, and Goldthwaits, —
took part.

The places for feasting when the company was very large were
Faneuil Hall and Concert Hall, — the latter resort situated on
the south corner of Court and Hanover streets, and standing
till a modern period,^ — but considerable parties were enter-
tained at Mrs. Cordis's Coffee House ; Colonel Joseph Ingersoll's
Bunch of Grapes in King Street (Captain Marston was his
successor there, 1775-1779) ; Bracket's, Gardner's, and King's
Arms on the Neck ; the Peacock, Greaton's (the Greyhound),
Richards's, and Blany'sin Roxbury ; Kent's and John Champ-
ney's (the Turk's Head) in Dorchester; Coolidge's " at Water-
town Bridge " ; Weatherby's at Menotomy Pond, and places of
refreshment at Fresh Pond and Spot Pond. These festivities
included a pleasant suburban drive of ladies and gentlemen
round Jamaica Pond (in winter in sleighs), a dinner and tea
and a dance in the evening, joined in not by the young only,
but also by middle-aged people of foremost rank in the town.
Sometimes each paid his own score, but at other times one
of the party was host and the rest guests. The French con-
sul was the host at Marston's Feb. 27, 1779 •, and Colonel
Dalrymple, Francis Waldo, ajid John Lane on other occa-
sions at the Peacock (July 10, Aug. 20, Oct. 30, 1771).

Eighty gentlemen, "a high campaign," went, Aug. 11, 1767,
to witness a launch at Weymouth. An excursion to a remoter
point may be chronicled in this connection, Aug. 6, 1772 :
" This morning Mr. Hancock, Dr. Cooper, Mr. Brattle, Mr.
Tuthill Hubbard, Mr. Saml. Calef, Mr. Winthrop of Cambridge,
Mr. Nicho. Bowes and Capt. Hood went from Boston in the
Providence packet to visit the eastern parts of this province and
also on a party of pleasure. My servant Henry Smith and

1 It was finally demolished in 1869.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN KOWE. 47

Davis the barber's man went with them as attendants." The
party returned August 22.

There were a succession of enjoyable inns on the highways
leading from Boston southward to Plymouth and Taunton,
and also to the east and west. Most sought by Rowe was
Doty's,! in Stoughton, now Canton, just beyond the Blue
Hills, standing till it was burned in December, 1888, its site
now a race-course. Here met in 1774 the " County Congress,"
with Warren at the head of the Boston delegation, by which at
an adjourned meeting held at the house of Daniel Vose in
Milton were passed the famous Suffolk Resolves. Here during
the siege lived Ezekiel Price, who drove often to Milton to learn
the news and observe from the hill the movements of the British
ships in the harbor. Rowe had occasion on fishing-excursions
or journeys to Dighton on business (the affairs of Ebenezer
Stetson, an insolvent debtor), to stop often at this tavern,
and he managed whenever he could to pass the night there.
Once when returning from Dighton, May 9, 1766, he wrote:
" We supped and slept there, and I set it down as an extraor-
dinary house of entertainment, and very good beds." Other
country taverns which he frequented were Brackett's in
Braintree, Deacon Cushing's in Hingham, Elisha Ford's in
Marshfield, Spears's and Hall's in Pembroke, Howland's
in Plymouth, Newcomb's in Sandwich, Stone's in Stoughton,
Widow Noyes's in Sharon (then Stoughtonham, where one of
the Edmund Quinc3's seemed to be an hahitue)^ Howard's and
Kingman's in Easton, McWhorter's in Taunton, Tapley's,
Johnson's, and Norwood's in Lynn, Goodhue's in Salem, " a
good tavern and good lodging" (Oct, 1, 1767), Treadwell's
in Ipswich, Widow Ames's and Woodward's (both being the
same) ^ and Gay's in Dedham, Mackintosh's in Needham,
Pratt's at Needham Bridge, and Fisher's on Charles River in
the upper part of that town, Bullard's in Natick (where Rowe
dined July 3, 1765, " on fish which Mrs. Bullard dressed very
well "), Mann's in Wrentham, and Bryant's in Sudbury. These

1 An account of this tavern, with a picture, is given in Huntoon's " History of
Canton," pp. 335-341.

2 These taverns were in Dedham village. Mrs. Ames was the mother of
Fisher Ames, and married Woodward for her second husband. At Woodward's,
the " County Congress," which afterwards passed tlie Suffolk Kesolves at Milton,
met.

48 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

wayside inns, sometimes the resort of parties of gentlemen
and ladies driving from Boston, appear attractive in Rowe's
pages ; but John Adams does not give so favorable an account
of them.i

Fresh-water fishing was a great sport in those days, and
Rowe was one of the jolliest and most expert fishermen. We
read in John Adams's Diary (11. 238) a note, June 2, 1770, from
Goldthwait to Adams, who was to start the next day for
Portsmouth on a professional errand : " Do you call tomorrow
and dine with us at Flax Pond near Salem, Rowe, Davis,
Brattle, and half a dozen as clever fellows as ever were born, are
to dine there under the shady trees by the pond upon fish and
bacon and pease, &c. ; and as to Madeira, nothing can come up
to it. Do you call. We '11 give you a genteel dinner and fix you
off on your journey." Rowe took care to provide himself with
all a fisherman's needs, as imported rods (June 11, 1765); some-
times "lost several fine hooks and snoods" (Sept. 10, 1768), once
lost " the top of his rod line and hooks by a very large picker-
ell" (Sept. 17, 1764), and once left behind his "fishing rod
and leather dram bottle" (Oct. 2, 1767). His companions on
these excursions were often Samuel Calef or Henry Ayres, and
sometimes his clerical friends. In tlie early part of the Diary
he was fishing mostl}^ in Flax Pond in Lynn, and in the latter
part mostly in Charles River at Dedham and Needham, keep-
ing a boat at Dedham, which he sent up the river, June 12, 1776,
and stopping sometimes at Kend rick's or other taverns in the
town or vicinity, but oftener at Richards's (probably Timothy
Richards), who, though not a tavern-keeper, received him in a
friendly way. Other fishing-resorts frequented by him were
Menotomy Pond, with Wyndship's tavern near by; Fresh
Pond ; Spot Pond ; Jamaica Pond ; Ponkapoag Pond (Doty's
tavern near by), and perhaps Houghton's in the vicinity (Aug.
2,1766); Mospepong (or Massapoag) Pond (July 30, 1767) in
Sharon ; ponds or streams in Natick and Wrentham ; " the Great
Worster Pond " ^ in Shrewsbury, where he was entertained at~
" Mr Furnaces" and fished at " Worster Bridge " (May 12,13,
July 6, 1767) ; and a pond "at the up[)er end of Mallden "
(July 2, 1767). To the south were sheets of water inviting

1 Works, ii. 123, and elsewhere.

'^ Long Pond, or Lake Quinsigamond.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN EOWE. 49

the fisherman, — in Hingham, Taunton, Duxbury, Pembroke,
and Plymouth ; and with all these Rowe was familiar.

Sometimes the luck was poor, but generally it was very
good. Four or five dozen was an ordinary catch; but often
the fishing-party brought back ten or even twenty dozen, —
sometimes pickerel two feet long and weighing nearly four
pounds (one caught June 29, 1770, weighing four and a
quarter pounds) ; perch fifteen, sixteen, and eighteen inches
long, and weighing three and a half pounds ; and trout
eighteen inches long. Sept. 22, 1764. " Went to Flax
Pond, fished with Mr. Saml. Calef, had great sport ; caught
two pickerell, one was two foot long and weighed three
pounds and three quarters, and about four dozen of large pond
perch, one measured fourteen inches." At the same pond,
July 29, 1766, twelve dozen perch were caught in two hours ;
and, June 19, 1772, very near one hundred weight were caught.
July 13, 1765. " Early this morning went to Monotomy Pond
with the Rev"^ Mr. Auchmooty and Mr. Saml. Calef, had great
sport; we caught above sixteen dozen of pond and sea perch,
made a rough day of it, and came home in the evening."
June 21, 1766, seven dozen perch were caught in the same
pond. June 2, 1767. After a night at Mackintosh's tavern in
Needham with Amiel, Calef, Jacobson, and Apthorp, Rowe
makes the entry : " I rose very early this morning, routed up
my companions, and set out for Bullard's Pond at Natick,
where went a fishing ; had extraordinary sport. We did not
weigh the fish ; I guess we caught about eighty weight. I
caught about 25| lbs. weighed at Kendrick's. We came back
and dined at Kendrick's, with old Madam Apthorp, Major
Byard and lady, Mr. Amiel and wife, Mr. Inman and Mrs.
Rowe, Mr. Spence and Miss Sally Sheaff, Capt. Jacobson, Mr.
Saml. Calef, Mr. Thos. Apthorp, Mr. Robt. Apthorp, George
Inman, and Jack Wheelwright. We were very merry."
Returning from Taunton, where they had fished in Winne-
cunnet Pond, John Boylston and Rowe passed the night of
July 31, 1767, at the Widow Noyes's in Sharon, after fishing
in " Mossepong Pond." The entry of the next day is : " We
went to Punkapong Pond and fished there ; we caught 26
dozen of pond perch before ten of clock, which I told. We
dined there; after dinner set out for Boston, and got in be-
fore dark." August 2. " John Boylston is a good companion,

7

50 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

but very fretfull and uneasy in his make. I should be very glad
to accompany him at any time on a party of fishing, especially
when the fish bites fast." After a night at Doty's, Rowe,
Jacobson, and Calef fished, Aug. 18, 1768, in the same pond ;
and the entry is : " Had great sport, caught upwards of twenty-
seven dozen, and some large fish ; dined at Doty's ; after dinner
set out for home, was caught in the rain, stopped at Mr. Clark's
at Milton, drank tea there." Rowe and Admiral Montagu
went a-fishing, June 9, 1773, in Wrentham Pond. Rowe " was
a little unwell, and did not tany ; the admirall caught 173
perch." Rowe fished occasionally at " the Dedham causeway,
beyond Dedham Island" (Sept. 30, 1766 ; June 13, 20, 1767 ;
May 14, 1768). He records, June 7, 1766 : " There 's a trout
brook empties itself into Charles River about a mile and half
beyond Dedham Island causeway ; dined under a large apple
tree, and fished again."

Ladies were sometimes of the party, and passed the night at
the tavern near by ; but they do not appear to have joined in
the sport. At Kendrick's on Charles River, July 27, 1765, Pitts,
Bowdoin, Boutineau, Bourne, and Flucker were accompanied by
their wives for the day, and Nicholas Boylston was of the party.
At Doty's tavern in Stoughton the fishing-party was joined,
Aug. 21, 1776, by "the two Mrs. Belchers, Miss Clark, Miss
Dolly Murray, Mrs. Jones, Miss Blowers, Miss Amiel, Mr.
Hutchinson, and Mr. Waller." At Flax Pond, June 29,
1770, the ladies of the Wendell, Goldthwait, Wells, Gerry,
and Winslow families joined the party. June 8, 1773. Admi-
ral Montagu's wife and other ladies were at Mann's tavern in
Wrentham for the night, when Rowe and the Admiral were
fishing there. Aug. 28, 1773. At Menotomy Pond were
Montagu and his wife and daughter. Lady Frankland and
Henry Cromwell, the ladies Lechmere, Simpson, Inman,
Flucker, several military and naval officers, Commissioner
Hulton, and Collector Harrison. " We were very jolly. The
Admirall, Capt. Williams, and I had very poor luck, the
fish very small."

Rowe, when visiting Plymouth for business or pleasure, did
not fail to take advantage of ponds and brooks in that town
and vicinity, — at Diixbury Mills, April 28, 1767, where five
dozen trout were caught ; at Pembroke, May 20, 1769, April
30, 1770, and May 5, 1773, each time catching fifty, fifty-eight.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 51

and sixty trout ; at South Pond, Plymouth, Aug. 12, 1766,
where he " caught a very large perch, measured 18 inches and
weighed three pounds and half" ; and May 31, 1771, when he
had ver}^ good sport, afterwards dining at Mr. Richman's. " We
were very merry ; some young ladies came there a fishing and
to pay a visit, particularly Miss Polly Brimhall of Plymouth
and two daughters of Mr. Richman."

Fishing in this neighborhood gave Rowe a glimpse of Indian
life. May 23, 1770 : " We rose early [in Sandwich] and set
out for Mashby, an Indian town. We took a guide, one Mr.
Fowler. We reached Jos. Asher's, a native ; we fished there,
found it a wild place ; we had good sport ; from thence we
went to Mr, Crocker's, the tavern ; we dined there, and we
were joyned by Capt. Solo. Davis, Mr. Calef, Mr. Brattle, and
the Rev** Mr. Hawly, the Indian minister, who I take to be a
clever man ; there were two young ladies, daughters of Mr.
Crocker, Miss Bettsy and Miss Sally, very clever and genteel :
from this we returned to Sandwich ; we spent the evening
and supped at Mr. Fessenden's, and were joyned by Melatiah
Bourn and Doctor Smith of this place. We slept at Mr. New-
comb's ; very good beds. We passed by the most beautiful
pond, named Wakely. May 24. We rose early and set out for
Plymouth ; we slept at Ellis, and from thence got to the Monu-
ment, where we slept at Isaac Jeffery's, an Indian and a preacher
to the Indians ; his squaw had a neat wigwam. I slept an
hour there. We dined there and were joyned by Silv"" Barthlet.
After dinner I went down to the river and caught ten trout,
the largest I ever saw, severall of them eighteen inches in
length ; from thence we returned to Plymouth and spent the
evening at Edw. Winslow's and all his family. I went to bed
early and slept there." Another visit was made, May 6, 1772,
to " the Indian wigwam of old Isaac at the Monument ponds,"
with a dozen very large trout as the result.

The hooking of turtles is sometimes recorded, — one at Fresh
Pond, June 25, 1765, weighing thirty pounds. Except "try-
ing for some smelts" once or twice (Oct. 5, 18, 1764), Rowe
says nothing of salt-water fishing, although the harbor of Bos-
ton within the memory of living people has been good fishing-
ground. He records, June 19, 1765, a strange apparition in our
waters : " This morning our fishermen caught a large fish in the
shape of a shark twenty foot long ; his teeth were different from

62 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

a shark's teeth." The next day's record is : " They cut up the
fish, and filled two large hogsheads with his liver."

We have sports which were unknown to our fathers ; but
they had fine fishing-resorts within one or two hours' drive
from Boston which we can only have by long journeys to the
Rangeley Lakes and the Adirondacks.

In the period immediately preceding tlie Revolution, the port
of Boston was a lively scene. War- vessels were leaving for
or coming in from Halifax or the South or England, or going
out on short cruises. The sailing and arrival of merchant
vessels, several in a day, were town topics of keen interest.
April 19, 1765. " Above thirty sail of vessells arrived from the
Vineyard this afternoon." Rowe mentions the clearing of ships
for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the West Indies, Lisbon,
Oporto, Cadiz, Gibraltar, Alicante, Madeira, Surinam, Glas-
gow, Newcastle, Bristol, Plymouth, Whitby, London, or their
arrival from those ports. Liverpool is mentioned once only in
such a connection (May 21, 1768), that port not having then
attained the prominence it has since held. Passages between
English ports and Boston ranged from five to eight weeks ; but
Captain Bruce made the run from London (arriving Oct. 20,
1761) to Boston in twenty-six days, which Rowe mentions as
" tiie shortest passage ever known." ^ Later he records a still
shorter passage, April 20, 1769 : *' This afternoon Capt. Post
arrived from Glasgow in a short passage of twenty-two days."
Another short passage is noted May 8, 1767: " This day arrived
Capt. Delano from London in 27 days passage."

Rowe notes the arrival. May 11, 1774, of a vessel from Scot-
land, with upwards of a hundred passengers, — the only instance
of a body of immigrants mentioned in the Diary.

The town was not without commercial panics ; and a se-
rious one occurred in January, 1765. On the 16th Nathaniel
Wheelwright " stopt payment and kept in his room. A great
number of people will suffer by him. . . . The trade has been
much alarmed." That evening at Mrs. Cordis's the conversa-
tion was on his affairs ; and Mr. Inman went to the Assemblj',

^ Tliere were sliorter passag^es pnincr oastwarcl : Kiclianl Clarke made one in
twenty-one days (S. Curwen's Joiirnal and Letters, p. 4.'?); General Burjroyne
made one "in less than twenty-four days" (Hutcliinson's Diary and Letters,
i. 587).

1895.] DIARY OP JOHN ROWE. 53

probably to start legislative action. On the 19th Rowe Avrites :
'• Very bad accounts. Mr. John Scollay shut up ; Mr. John
Dennie shut up, and Peter Bourne at the North End ; am like
to be a large sufferer by Scollay." January 20. " Was much
out of order today, occasioned by the distress the town is in,
occasioned principally by the failure of Mr. Wheelwright ;
was sent for tliis forenoon on my friend Jos. Scot's affairs,
he seems greatly distressed. . . . Was sent for by Sheriff Green-
leaf on John Scollay's affairs. Did not go to church, my mind
too much disturbed." January 21. " Mr. Cud worth the sheriff
came here on business, and Mr. Gary on affairs of Wm. Hoskings
& Co., who shut up this morning, as did my friend Joseph Scot.
A general consternation in town occasioned by these repeated
bankruptcies. That the General Court which are now sitting
determine to make an act for the relief of insolvent debtors, —
which will be very seasonable." The General Court, in con-
sequence of the application, passed the Act of March 9, 1765,
which was approved by the Privy Council, though such an
act had been disallowed eight years before. Scollay's and
Wheelwright's estates were distributed under the new Act.^

Arbitration was usually resorted to by merchants for adjust-
ing disputes which arose in the way of trade. Rowe and mer-
chants of his standing often sat on such boards, which met
usually at the Coffee House or Colonel IngersoU's tavern. His
records of such sessions are so frequent that it is not worth
while to give the dates.

A minute of one lawsuit, March 19, 1765, may be given here :
"Went to the Superiour Court in the forenoon and heard the
learned debate before the judges in the case of John Banister
and others. . . . Went in the evening and heard more argu-
ment in the case of John Banister and others ; both Mr.
Auchmooty and Mr. Otis behaved very well, and I was
pleased with Mr. Dana in this argument."

Rowe's Diary discloses a great number of fires in Boston at
this period. They started in many instances from foul chim-
neys and bakehouses. "'T was a terrible foul chimney," is a
record he sometimes makes (Feb. 2, 1765). The citizens, it
must be said to their credit, worked with energy and organiza-
tion, and generally got the better of the fire before it spread

^ Province Acts and Resolves, iv. 777-781, 793-795.

54 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

beyond the buildhiGf where it started (Oct. 12, 1767). There
were as early as 1768 as many as six fire-engines, and John
Hancock gave another in 1772.^ Rowe commends " the dex-
terity and clever behaviour of the South End Engine men"
(Jan. 24, 1765). On April 2, 1768, when there were sev-
eral alarms, " one poor man lost his life by falling off a
ladder." The fire-wards were substantial citizens like Samuel
Adams, Hancock, Captain Adino Paddock, Captain Thomas
Dawes, John Scollay, and Rowe, who got excused from
further service March 9, 1772. There was a Fire Club, already
mentioned, which was composed of the most substantial citi-
zens. Rowe went to the fires and fought them vigorously,
coming home afterwards " much wet and tired," and going to
bed (Jan. 18, 1765 ; June 15, 1766). His leathern bucket,
marked, in large letters, "John Rowe, 1760," is still in the
possession of his grand-niece, Mrs. Payson. On June 15, 1766,
" after six a fire broke out at the North End, and consumed
Dr. Clark's barn, and severall other houses took fire, but by
the dexterity of the people we soon extinguished it." The
jail was set on fire by two prisoners Jan. 29, 1767, but
little damage was then done. Two years later it was burned
down, putting the neighborhood in danger. Rowe wrote,
Jan. 31, 1769 : " The officers and army behaved extremely
clever on this occasion, and ought to have the publick
thanks of this town. I can truly say they were the means
of saving it. I waited on Brigadier Poraroy and Colo. Kerr
and thanked them for their behaviour." A fire (July 10,
1772) on the turf of the Common behind the powder-house
alarmed the inhabitants. In the evening of May 17, 1775,
" about eight of clock a terrible fire broke out in the barracks
on Treat's Wharf occupied by the 65th regiment; it was occa-
sioned by accident or rather from great carelessness ; it de-
stroyed 33 stores on Dock Square, mine was in great danger.
I thought it so, and therefore removed great part of my effects
from them ; it continued till half past one with progress ; the
officers behaved very well; the cloathing of 4 companies be-
longing to the 47th regiment was burnt and some fire arms
lost."

The most disastrous fire of the period was on Feb. 4, 1767,
breaking out in " a baker's warehouse and spreading round

1 Memorial Plistory of Boston, iii. 161.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN EOWE. 55

about the neighborhood, that it consumed more than twenty-
houses, among which were Mr. Jonathan Williams's dwelling-
house, several houses of Mr. John Hancock, several belonging
to Capt. Ball ; it began at ten of clock and continued until
three in the morning." Public and private charity was invoked
in behalf of the sufferers, forty of whom were reduced to ex-
treme poverty. The selectmen promptly sent a petition to the
General Court asking for a grant of relief for the sufferers,
and that body voted £400 to be paid to the selectmen for the
purpose. The selectmen (Rowe being one) received a state-
ment of losses, and distributed the fund March 6, 10, 12, 27.
They addressed a letter to the churches, asking for contribu-
tions April 5. In Trinity Church, May 17, there was a collec-
tion for the sufferers by the late fire. " Mr. Walter behaved
extremely clever on this occasion, and urged his congregation
to their usual benevolence." The selectmen also distributed
the fund which came from the churches (June 5, 12). A
collection was taken, Aug. 7, 1768, in Trinity Church for suf-
ferers by fire at Montreal. It is pleasant to note how the
well-to-do people of Boston at that day were sympathetic, as
they have been ever since, with others, near or remote, who
were afflicted with misfortune.

Curiously enough, Rowe, who was keen in noting fires, makes
no reference to that in Fish Street, Aug. 10, 1774, attended
■with loss of life, which is mentioned in Thomas Newell's Diary;
but he notes, October 6 of the same year: "A large fire hap-
pened at Salem last night ; Dr. Witaker's meeting house and
eighteen houses were destroyed,"

The lighting of the streets of London, the significance of
which inspired a well-known passage of the third chapter of
Macaulay's History, took place in the last year of Charles the
Second's reign. Somewhat less than a century later this
reform was introduced into Boston ; and Rowe was one of its
leaders, quite likely its originator. Thomas Newell's Diary
mentions only the first lighting, and also his beginning (Jan, 8,
1774) to make the tops of the glass lamps ; but Rowe gives in
detail the progress of the enterprise, which occupied his atten-
tion for a year.i His first entry concerning it was, March 1,

1 Eowe does not mention the loss of the first lamps sent from England hy
the wreck of a tea-ship off Cape Cod in December, 1773, — a fact stated in John
Andrews's letters.

56 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOEICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

1773 : " Afternoon I spent at Farieuil Hall with the committee
about lighting the lamps ; present myself, Henderson Inches,
Wm. Phillips, Benj. Austin, and Mr. Appleton." Another
meeting, May 18 : " Attended the committee about fixing the
lamps. We finished the north part of the town, No. 1, 2, 3,
4 and 5 divisions; present myself, Deacon Phillips, Deacon
Storer, Thomas Gray, Mr. Appleton, Major Daws, to which were
the gentlemen of the severall wards, Mr. Jonathan Brown, Mr.
John Leach, Mr. Paul Revere, Mr. Edward Procter, Mr. Thos.
Hitchman." May 21. " This day I went with the committee
about the lamps to view the wards No. 6, 7, and 8, which we
finished." The same names of persons present recur, with the
addition of John and Thomas Amory, Deacon Church and
Major Paddock, and others. Records of various meetings are
given, namely: May 4, 10, 13, Sept. 7, 24, 27, 1773, and Jan. 8,
Feb. 1, 3, March 2i, 22, 24, 1774. Rowe " attended [Jan. 19,
1774] the carpenter and blacksmith in marking out the places
the lamps are to be fixt." The next day, he and others — the
selectmen and the committee — "consulted on the method of
lighting them, and had a long conference with Mr. Smith for
that purpose." The end was reached March 2 ; and Rowe's
entr}' the next day is, " Last evening the lamps were lighted for
the first time ; they burnt tolerably well." The final report of
the committee was accepted in town-meeting March 30.

Pope's Day, November 5, with its rival North End and
South End processions, and their contest or " battle," some-
times at Mill Bridge on Hanover Street, is described by Rowe.
In 1764 the sheriff, justices, and militia undertook to destroy
the figures, but the populace was too much for them. Several
thousand people were in attendance, and there was a fatal in-
jury. This " foolish custom," as Rowe calls it, became in later
years, as in 1769, 1773, and 1774, less of an affair, and then
died out altogether.

Tlie lottery still existed in this Puritan community, legal-
ized for public objects. Rowe bought, ^larch 19, 1767, seven
tickets of John Ruddock, and sold one, kept two for him-
self, and gave the rest to Mrs. Rowe and the Inraans.

The fashion of duelling still lingered, Feb. 23, 1765 : "Colo.
Bourn of M'head and Jerahmiel Bowers challenged each other
with sword and pistoll yesterday about the excise." Oct. 10,

1S95.] DIARY OP JOHN EOWE. 57

1773. " Tliere was a duel fought between Capt. Maltby of the
Glasgow mau of war and Lieut. Finney of the Marines on
Noddle's Island yesterday. Lieut. Finney was wounded in the
breast, and its thought mortally."

Rowe gives incidents of crimes and punishments, Sept. 11,
1764 : " The regiment appeared in the Common this afternoon.
One of the soldiers behaved saucily to liis captain, upon whicli
they called a court martial and ordered him to ride the wooden
horse ; but the mob got foul of the wooden horse and broke it,
so that the fellow escaped." Oct. 4, 1764. " Went after din-
ner upon Boston Neck and saw John and Ann Richardson set
on the gallows for cruelly and wilfully endeavoring to starve
their child [or children] ; the man behaved in the most auda-
cious manner, so that the mob pelted him, which was what he
deserved." March 21, 1765. " This day a woman was tryed
for murther of her bastard child, and it appearing to the
court she was married, she was acquitted." Jan. 11, 1770.
''This day a villain was pilloried for forcing a girl of ten years
age. The populace pelted him severely, but not so much as
his crime deserved." March 28, 1771. "This day the French
boy and a charcoal fellow stood in the pillory. The French
boy was to have been whipt, but the populace hindred the
sheriff doing his duty." Oct. 21, 1773. "Levi Ames was
hanged this afternoon, many thousand spectators attended the
execution." 1 Ames's offence was burglary; and other bur-
glaries where Rowe himself was the victim are noted in the
Diary (July 3, 1767 ; April 5, 1773 ; March 7, 1779).

Boston does not seem to have been the orderly and well-
governed town which our fathers sometimes proclaimed it to be.
There was no constabulary force which amounted to anything
when such a force was required. The mobs of Pope's Day, as
already seen, had their own way, defying even the militia.
The populace arrested at pleasure the infliction of public pun-
ishments judicially ordered, and sometimes superadded dis-
cretionar}^ pelting of their own (Sept. 11, Oct. 4, 1764 ; Jan.
11, 1770 ; March 28, 1771). When the political troubles came,
they sacked and destroyed the houses of unpopular citizens and
magistrates. They stripped the offender naked, covered him
with tar, decked him with feathers, and transported him in
this plight, without hindrance, through the main thoroughfares

1 Memorial History of Boston, ii. 486.
8

68 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

as a spectacle for a jeering multitude (Oct. 28, 1769 ; May 18,
1770 ; March 9, 1775). One cannot help asking where at such
times were the selectmen, the twelve constables, the militia,
Hancock and his Cadets, and the principal citizens who were
so effective when fires were to be extinguished or patriotic
enterprises to be executed. On the whole, Boston is now a
safer place to live in for one who asserts the right to differ with
his neighbors than it was in those good old days.

There were at this time in Boston nearly one thousand negro
slaves,^ of whom Rowe owned two or three. He mentions,
Nov. 22, 1766 : " Last night I sent my negro Cato to Bridewell
for a very bad fault," which is not described ; and Jan. 20,
1768, he disposes of Cato by sending him to Jamaica. Another
or the same Cato appears on the scene Jan. 4, 1769 : " When I
came home I found Cato has got a soldier's sword which be-
longed to Capt. Fordyce's company of the 14th Grenadiers, his
name James Fairchild." Nov. 25, 1769. " I sent Cato on board
the Rose man of war this morning." Sept. 23, 25, 1772. " My
negro Marcellus was brought home last evening much hurt."
" I got all the fellows taken up that abused Marcellus and tryed
them before Justice Quincy ; the Justice ordered them to goal."
Boston people, as appears by an entry Feb. 28, 1765, had
interests in West India plantations : " This afternoon Mr.
Henry Yassall and wife executed the deeds for the farm of
negroes at Antigua."

The mere mention of some casualties or personal incidents
may be of interest. March 24, 1765, there was the highest
tide Rowe " had known since he had been in New England,
accompanied with the greatest storm, and almost incredible
damage," driving vessels from their anchors and dismasting
and sinking them, with great injury to wharves, — to Rowe's in
particular of two thousand pounds ; but he adds, with resigna-
tion, "As it's the Providence of God, I am content about it."
High tides, with more or less injury, occurred Dec. 26, 1764,
and Oct. 20, 1770. Rowe records a providential escape Sept. 24,
1767 : " The sun past the equinox about 12 of clock last night.
We had a very severe storm ; it blew as hard as I ever heard
it, accompanied with thunder, lightning, and very heavy rain.

1 Memorial History of Boston, ii. 439, 485.

1S95.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE, 59

Mr. Walter and wife had liked to have been drowned at Peck's
wharf." The next Sunday Mr. Walter preached " a very
pathetick and good discourse, and very applicable to his late
misfortune, in which we all rejoyce for God's remarkable deliv-
erance of him and wife."

On May 16, 1776, " a poor woman was found drowned at
the foot of the Common, a melancholy spectacle, a daughter of
Mr. Grant's."

The Diary records, July 21, 1767, after a drought : " A most
delightful rainy morning. God is very gracious to his people
in this dry time, and all the people ought to praise his holy
name."

The Neck was sometimes blocked with snow so that the
town was isolated (Dec. 20, 1766), men and beasts were frozen
to death there (Dec. 29, 1778), and the harbor was often frozen
as far as the Castle (Jan. 1, 1765 ; Dec 21, 1767 ; Feb. 9, 1769 ;
Jan. 23, 1774). The bad travelling suspended communication
with New York (Feb. 9, 1765}. Rowe sometimes rode upon the
"new colt" or the "old mare," but generally went by chaise,
with now and then an upset on the way (June 13, 1767),
which drew from him the grateful expression, "Thank God
I got no harm, only broke my fishing cane." But Mrs. Rowe,
once driving in a carriage with horses, did not get off so easily
(July 15, 1774).

One Sunday " twas so very cold that Mr. Walter did not
preach in the forenoon" (Jan. 27, 1765). Houses and counting-
rooms were not kept as comfortable as now, and Rowe at times
observes that the ink is freezing while he writes (Dec. 31, 1766 ;
Jan. 10, 23, 1774).

It may be well merelj'' to note some miscellaneous matters
referred to in the Diary, namely: invasions of the small-pox, ac-
companied with a general inoculation (July 6, 1769 ; May 7,
1771 ; April 15, 1774 ; Jan. 26, 1775 ; July 13, 22, 1776) ; the
black caterpillar's ravages, moving from northeast to southwest,
and devouring everything in its way (July 9, 1770) ; a wonder-
ful cure for a rattlesnake's bite, discovered by Abel Puffer (May
10, 1766 : see Huntoon's Histor}' of Canton, 255) ; an eclipse of
the sun (Aug. 5, 1766) ; the appearance of a comet from 12 to
3 A. M,, with a very long tail, for five nights (Sept. 5, 1769) ;
the arrest, trial, and acquittal of a suspected pirate (Nov. 17,

60 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOEICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

21, 22, 28 ; Dec. 16, 1772 ; July 29, Aug. 6, 1773) ; the letting
of Deer Island and Boston Neck by the town (April 15, 1766);
the proposed sale of the town house (Feb. 6, 9, 1767) ; foity-
eight applications for license to sell liquors (Aug. 6, 1766),
and Rowe's sale of his still-house (May 8, 1769) ; women of a
nameless class routed by a mob at Oliver's dock (July 24, 1771) ;
a new pier head for Long Wharf (April 7, 1768) ; the paving
of the road by the fortifications (May 25, 26, 1767) ; the laying
out of a new street in Paddy's Alley (April 8, 13, 16, 1767);
Thomas Hancock's gift for a lunatic asylum, and the assign-
ment of a site for it on the Common (Sept. 19, 1764; March
23, 25, 1765) ; Dr. Cooper's election as President of Harvard
College (Feb. 7, 1774), and his refusal three days later to
accept the choice, " to the great joy and satisfaction of his
parishioners " ; a visit of the selectmen (March 10, 1768) to
" Mary Phillips, who was born deaf and dumb and has remained
so ever since, and is now upwards of eighty years of age " ; the
Superior Court " making a splendid appearance" in the new
Court House (March 14, 1769) ; the payment of fees to lawyers,
a guinea each to John Adams at Taunton (Aug. 19, 1766) and
to James Otis in Boston (Nov. 20, 1766).

Extracts from John Rowe's Diary,
1764-1779.

1764. Sept. 29. — The Black Act takes place this day. Mr. Cockle
[James Cockle, the Collector] suspended from his office yesterday at
Salem, which the people at that place rejoiced at by firing guns, making
bonfires, entertainments, &c. ; and the Surveyor- General much ap-
plauded by the merchants in the town of Boston for his good and
spirited behaviour.

October 2. — Went to the Collector's and Surveyor-Generall's about
the Molasses Act, who agreed the Advocate-General should determine
the method of gauging molasses, whether should be Winchester measure
or wine measure.

Dec. 3. — Spent the evening with the committee of merchants and
others about the loaf sugar ; present Jos. Winslow, Esq., Mr. Thos.
Gray, Mr. Edw"* Paine, Mr. Richard Clark, Ezekiel Goldthwait, Mr.
James Warden, Mr. Thos. Ivers, Capt. Solomon Davis, JNIr. John Den-
nie, Mr. INlelatiah Bourne ; voted that Mr. Ivers bring an action at this
Court against Mr. Collector for taking the duty of five shilling ster^ per
hundred on loaf sugar cleared out at his office.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 61

1765. Jan. 11. — Went after dinner to the Court and heard the
tryal between Mr. Ivers and Mr. Hale [Roger Hale, the Collector]
relative to the duties on loaf sugar ; very warm debates on both sides,
but the jury found for the plaintiff Mr. Ivers, which was generally
thought a good verdict.

Feb. 12. — [Meeting of merchants with a committee of the General
Court (names being given) on the Excise Act, with choice of Samuel
Wells, Robert Hooper, and Justice Story as managers.]

Feb. 13. — [Petitioners on account of the Excise heard on the floor
of the House.]

May 30. — Went in the evening at Blodget's with a number of the
General Court, where they were shoeing colts, — that is, the new mem-
bers that are chosen treat the Council and House of Representatives.

Juhj 24. — Mr. Gerry came to town and brought an account of the
Niger man of war taking three schooners out of the harbor of St. Johns,
one belonging to his father and two to Epps Sergeant.

Aug. 11. — Capt. Harlow arrived from Bristol and brought the good
news that Mr. Pitt was again in the ministry. [Pitt, though consulted,
did not then enter the ministry.]

Aug. 14. — A great number of people assembled at Deacon Elliot's
Corner to see the Stamp officer hung in effigy, with a libel on his
breast, on Deacon Elliot's tree, and along side him a boot stuffed with
representation which represented the Devill coming out of Bute ; this
stamp officer hung up all day ; at night they cut him down, layd him
out and carried in triumph amidst the acclamations of many thousands
who were gathered together on that occasion. They proceeded from
the So. End down the main street through the Town House and round
by Oliver's dock , they puU'd down a new building which some people
thought was building for a Stamp Office and did some mischief to Mr.
Andrew Oliver's house (which I think they were much to blame).

Aug. 16. — Heard that Mr. Andrew Oliver had resigned his com-
mission in form, on which there was great rejoicing the last evening in
Boston.

[Vol. 11. of the Diary, pp. 185-322, from Aug. 17, 1765, to April 10,
1766, is missing.]

1766. April 13. — Sunday. When I came home [from church] I
heard of an Express being brought to town giving an account of the
repeal of the Stamp Act, which I examined into and found the greatest
probability of its being true, and pass'd by the House of Commons on
Feby the 8"^ last by a great majority, which appeared by a letter of
that date from Messrs. Day and Son to Mr. Maxwell, their con-espond-
ent in Petaxion [Patapsco or Patuxent] River, Maryland.

April 14. — The Selectmen met this forenoon to consider and fix on
a day for rejoycing.

62 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

April 15, — Capt. Calef arrived from London this afternoon ; he left
the Downs the 20"^ Feby. He brought good news about our American
affairs, but no certainty of the repeal of the Stamp Act.

Api-il 18. — Capt. McClean arrived from Ireland, and confirms the
account of the Stamp Act being repealed.

April 21. — A town meeting this forenoon to agree on a method of
rejoicing and illuminations.

May 16. — Capt. Shuball Coffin arrived from London about 11 of
clock and brought the glorious news of the total repeal of the Stamp
Act, which was signed by his Majesty King George the 3^ of ever
glorious memory, which God long preserve and his illustrious house.

May 19. — This day is the joyfull day indeed for all America, and all
the people are to rejoyce this day for the joyfull news brought by these
vessells from Loudon, that the Stamp Act is repealed. Dined at Colo.
Ingersoll's with twenty-eight gentlemen [names given]. We drank
fifteen toasts ; and very loyal they were, and suited to the occasion.
In the evening there was very grand illuminations all over the town ;
in the Common there was an obelisk very beautifully decorated, and
very grand fireworks were displayed. Mr. Hancock behaved very well
on this occasion, and treated every person with cheerfulness. I con-
tributed as much to the general joy as any person ; the whole was much
admired, and the day crowned with glory and honour.

May 23. — [At Colonel Murray's in Rutland.] In the evening they
had great rejoycings at Rutland ; they behaved very well, had a large bon-
fire and many sky rocketts which I put them in a way to fire ; there was
a genteel entertainment at the tavern ; afterwards we returned to Colo.
Murray's, where there was a grand supper and entertainment prepared
and many loyal healths drank.

May 28. — Election day. Mr. Otis was chosen Speaker of the House,
but negatived by the Governour. Mr. Saml. Adams, who has a great
zeal for liberty, was chosen Clark of the House by one vote.

May 29. — Mr. Thomas Cushing was chosen Speaker in the room of
Mr. Otis, who the Governour approved off. This day the Governour
negatived six counsillors, viz. : Colo. Otis, Colo. Sparhawk, Colo. Ger-
rish of Newberry, Colo. Bowers of Swanzey, Mr. Dexter of Dedham,
and Mr. Saunders of Gloster: this occasions great murmurings in some
and rejoycings in others. Spent part of the afternoon with the House of
Representatives, in shoeing colts.

June "2. — Artillery election. . . . Dined by invitation with the Gov""
and Council at Faneuil Hall ; spent part of the afternoon at Mr. John
Hancock's.

June 4. — The King's birthday and a great holliday.

June 10. — General Ruggles and Mr. Otis had some disputes and
hard language this day on the floor of the Town House.

1895.] DIAllY OF JOHN ROWE. 63

Sept. 24. — The Custom House attempted to seize some wine out of
Malcom's cellar, but were hindered from it by about two hundred people
making their appearance in the street. The Governour and Council met
on this affair of the seizure, but they could make nothing of it.

Sept. 25. — The Governour and Council met again on this affair, and
examined many evidences, but could make nothing of it.^

Nov. 25. — Spent the afternoon with the committee of the General
Court, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Otis, Mr. Stephen Hall, Mr. Adams, Mr.
Hancock, Mr. Dexter. A number of merchants were there ; am in
hopes we shall get redress in our trade.

Dec. 2. — [An account of a dinner given at the Coffee House by the
merchants to Captain Gideon of the man of war the " Jamaica," at which
Rowe presided. All the leading merchants were there, with Hancock,
Cushing, and Otis, and twenty loyal toasts drunk, including those to the
King and Queen and royal family, and the friends of America, — Chatham,
Conway, Barre, and others.]

1767. March 13. — The General Court chose commissioners to treat
with the Government of New York about the line between them and us,
the Lieut.-Governour, Colonel Brattle, and Mr. Sheaff of Charlestown.

March 18. — Wednesday. This is anniversary day when the Par-
liament of Great Britain repealed the Stamp Act [celebrated by "a very
genteel dinner" at Colonel IngersoU's tavern, attended by the principal
citizens, who are named, with Rowe as toastmaster]. At four of clock
in the afternoon I was obliged to attend at Faneuil Hall, where there met
a great concourse of people to drink the King's health, &g. , and vote of
the town and the same toasts were drank as above. The hall was
illuminated, also Liberty Tree, and sundry other gentlemen's houses.
I never saw more joy than on this occasion.

May 2^. — The Governour negatived five counsillors this morning,
the Honble. James Otis, Joseph Gerrish, Esq., Thos. Saunders, Esq.,
Jerahmiel Bowers, Esq., and Saral. Dexter, Esq.

Aug. 14. — This day the colours were displayed on the Tree of Lib-
erty, and about sixty people, Sons of Liberty, met at one of clock and
drank the King's health.

Aug. 22. — Mr. Hancock's Union flagg was hoisted for the first time.

A^oy. 20. — Attended the trial of thieves, and the town meeting
which was conducted with great propriety and moderation. Capt. Blake
arrived this afternoon, which saved the freighters above three hun-
dred pounds lawful money, this being the time fixed to pay the dutys
on glass, painters' colours, &c., an imposition on America in my opinion
as dangerous as the Stamp Act.

1 Rowe was placed by the town, Oct. 8, 1766, on a committee with Otis, Han-
cock, Adams, and others to obtain copies of these depositions, which it had been
proposed to have transmitted to the home government.

64 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Dec. 4. — Spent the afternoon with the committee for giving instruc-
tions to the representatives, Rich^ Dana, Esq., Mr. Edw"^ Payne, Dr.
Church, Mr. Henderson Inches and Ezek^ Price.

1768. Feb. 11. — Spent the evening at the Coifee House, and a dis-
aorreeable evening it was. The topick of the discourse was about the
seizure made by Capt. Folger, and the reseiziire of it afterwards by
Capt. Hallowell. Mr. MoUineaux, in his representation and talk, used
the Surveyor-General, Mr. Temple, most cruelly and barbarously ; he
abused the character of said gentleman most shamefully, and said that if
Mr. Folger made any seizures or held this, that it would not be of any
benefit to him, upon which one of the company asked Mr. MoUineaux who
then would receive the benefit of Mr. Folger's part as informer, &c., and he
reply'd " why are you at a loss, why Mr. Temple the Surveyor-General,"
and further said that there was an agreement between the Surveyor-
General and Mr. Folger, intimating that the Surveyor-General gave
Folger his place with a view to get money by it, and swore he believed
it, — he Mr. MoUineaux was asked by Mr. John Erviug " surely you
can't believe the Surveyor-General guilty of so base a design, and you
have behaved very ill in making the company think so," his reply was
severall times " I do believe it," upon which Mr. Erving and MoUineaux
had some smart speeches with each other ; some of the company were
very uneasy at these doings, and mentioned the commission that Folger
had received from the Surveyor-General to be doubtfull and not authen-
tick enough to make seizures. Upon which Mr. Otis said the commis-
sion he thought was very good, but that there was one expression in it
that some people hesitated about, and repeated the sentence in the com-
mission, which runs thus, " and in my behalf to seize for his Majesty's
use," — upon repeating of this sentence Mr. MoUineaux [said] "now
gentlemen, you see that I am right in what I have said," and seemed to
lay great stress upon these words ("and in my behalf"), signifying that
whatever seizures were made by Folger, he the said Folger was not to
have the profit arising from such seizures but the Surveyor-General,
and that the Surveyor-General gave him his commission on these terms.
I mentioned in the course of this talk that I had many times been in
Mr. Mollineaux's company, but never heard him guilty of so great an
indiscretion before. Present Solo. Davis, John Erving, George Bethune,
James Otis, Wm. MoUineaux, Thos. Gray, James Warden, myself.

12 Fehr'y. — Fryday. Dined at home with the Rev*^ INlr. "Walter,
Mr. Tristram Dalton of Newberry, Mr. Rich'' Letchmere, INIrs. Rowe,
and Sucky and Sally Inman present. Spent the evening at JNIrs.
Cordis with Treas' Gray, Thos. Gray, Ezek^ Goldthwait, Melatiah
Bourn, Solomon Davis, Mr. Tristram Dalton, John Erving, Edward
Payne, James Otis, and James Perkins. IMr. INToUineaux was there
and renewed his discourse as on the last evening, but soon went away.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN KOWE. 65

March 1. — Spent the evening at the Merchants' Meeting. Wm.
Phillips, Esq., was chose moderator ; there were 98 merchants present.
Tiiey voted that it is the opinion of this company that every legal meas-
ure for freeing the country from the present embarrassments should be
adopted, and among [them] the stopping the importation of goods from
Great Britain under certain limitations, then chose a committee of nine
to fix on and report to this company on adjournment the best measures
for carrying into execution the foregoing vote. The following gentle-
men were chosen : Myself, Wm. Phillips, Esq., John Hancock, Esq.,
Arnold Wells, Esq., Mr. Edward Payne, Mr. Thomas Boylston, John
Erving, Jun., Esq., Melatiah Bourne, Esq., Mr. Henderson Inches ;
it was also voted that John Hancock, Esq., be desired to procure a coppy
of the commissions of the Commissioners of the Customs and produce the
same at the next meeting ; then the meeting was adjourned uutill Fryday
evening.

March 3. — Spent the forenoon with the committee of merchants.
Spent the afternoon and part of the evening with the committee of
merchants, and part of the evening with the Charitable Society at
Colo. Ingersoll's.

3Iar. 4. — This day the Gov'' prorogued the Assembly to the 13 April.
Spent the day with the same committee of merchants, and in the evening
we reported to them as follows :

The committee of merchants appointed at their [meeting] March 1*',
1768, having duly considered what they had in charge, do report the
following resolutions, viz. :

In consideration of the great scarcity of money which has for several
years been so sensibly felt among us, and now must be rendered much
greater not only by the immense sums absorbed in the collection of
the dutys lately imposed, but by the great checks given thereby to
branches of trades which yielded us the most of our money and means
of remittance, —

In consideration also of the great debt now standing against us which,
if we go on increasing by the excessive imports we have been accus-
tomed to while our sources of remittance are daily drying up, must ter-
minate not only in our own and our country's ruin, but that of many of
our creditors on the other side of the water, —

In consideration further of the danger from some late measures of our
losing many inestimable blessings and advantages of the British Constitu-
tion, which Constitution we have ever rever'd as the basis and security of
all we enjoy in this life, therefore

Voted
1^' That we will not for one year send for any European commodditys

excepting salt, coals, fishing lines, fish hooks, hemp, diiok, bar lead,

shot, wool cards, and card wire, and that the ti'ading towns in the

9

66 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

province and other provinces in New England together with those
in New York, New Jersey and Pennsilvauia be invited to accede
hereto.
2°^ That we will encourage the produce and manufactures of these

colonies by the use of them in preference to all other manufactures.
3'''* That in the purchase of such articles as we shall stand in need of,
we will give a constant preference to such persons as shall subscribe
to these resolutions.
4* That we will in our separate capacitys inform our several correspon-
dents of the reasons and point out to them the necessity of witholding
our usual orders for their manufactures [in order that] the said impedi-
ment may be removed and trade and commerce may again flourish.
5"^ That these votes or resolutions be obligatory or binding on us from
and after the time that these, or others singular or tending to the same
salutary purpose, be adopted by most of the trading towns in this and
the neighbouring colonies.
6"^ That a committee be appointed to correspond with merchants m the
before mentioned towns and provinces and forward to them the fore-
going votes, and that s'd committee be impowered to call a meeting of
the merchants when they think necessary.

March 9 & 11. — [Meetings of the merchants' committee, the one on
the 11th lasting the whole day.]

March 18. — [Anniversary of repeal of the Stamp Act celebrated
with dinner and toasts at Colonel Ingersoll's.] After these the company
were very cheerfuU and gay, and broke up about eight of clock. A con-
Biderable mob of young fellows and negroes got together this evening and
made great noise and hallooing ; about eight hundred appeared in King
Street and at Liberty Tree, and went to the North to John Williams, the
Inspector-General, but did him no damage, which the greatest part of the
gentlemen in town were very glad off. There were two effigies on Lib-
erty Tree this morning marked C. P. and J. W., but were taken down
again by Wm. Speakman, Thos. Crafts, and John Avery, Junior.

March 21. — I spent the forenoon at the Court House to hear the
tryal between Capt. Folger and Capt. Hallowell about the seizure of tea,
and after the whole morning debates it was adjourned untill next Saturday
morning. Spent part of the afternoon with the town's committee to
draw a letter of thanks to the Farmer [.John Dickinson] for his ingen-
ious letters; present Dr. Church, Dr. Warren, Mr. Saml. Adams, aud_
myself.

March 22. — Attended the town meeting all the da)', in which many
debates about Mr. Adams, whose friends were so warm in his favor
that the gentlemen could not get a reconsideration of the vote passed
on Monday last [which related to Adams's accounts as collector of
taxes].

1895.] DIABY OF JOHN EOWE. 67

May 2. — Met the merchants at the Town House in the Representa-
tives' room ; agreed to the resolutions of the City of New York not to
write for any goods after the first of June, nor import any after the first
day of October untill the Act imposing dutys on glass, paper, &c., be
repealed.

May 18. — The Romney man of war, Capt. Cornell [Corner] arrived
yesterday in Nantasket, and this day in Kiugroad.

Jane 10. — Yesterday the Selectmen viewed the ground for a gun
house and the north battery. A considerable mob tonight occasioned
by a seizure belonging to Mr. John Hancock ; some damage to Mr.
Harrison the Collector, and his boat burnt.

June 13. — The Selectmen waited on the Gov!" and Council about
Capt. Corner's pressing a man out of a coaster, and the affairs of the
town.

Ju)ie 14. — The people assembled under Liberty Tree, from thence
removed to Faneuil Hall ; then it was [)roposed to have a regular town
meeting called, which was accordingly done. Afternoon the town
met at Faneuil Hall ; the people were so many that Mr. Otis the
moderator proposed adjourning to Dr. Sewall's meeting, which was
accordingly voted, and they met there. A committee of twenty-one
gentlemen were chose to wait upon Gov'' Bernard with a humble peti-
tion, which petition to him is on file, and I think a very smart petition.
The whole twenty-one met at Mr. John Hancock's, and proceeded in
form to Roxbury to wait on Gov"" Bernard. Mr. Otis, being chairman,
introduced the petition with a genteel speech. The Gov'' received us
very cordially, spoke very sensibly to some parts of the speech and
petition, and promised an answer in the morning. The committee
returned to Mr. Hancock's in order as follows : —

Mr. Otis, Mr. Hancock first,

Mr. Royal Tyler, Mr. Thos. Gushing,

Myself, Mr. Samuel Adams,

Mr. Joshua Henshaw, Col. Joseph Jackson,

John Ruddock, Esq.,

Mr. Henderson Inches, Mr. Saml. Pemberton,

Mr. Edward Payne, Mr. Melatiah Bourn,

Mr. Richard Dana, Mr. Benj" Kent,

Mr. Samuel Quincy, Mr. Josiah Quincy, Juu''.,

Dr. Church, Dr. Warren,

Dr. Young and Capt Daniel Malcom, all in carriages.

June 15. — The man of war the Romney unmoored. The town met
again at Dr. Sewall's meeting.

June 16. — Spent the afternoon with the town's committee to draw
instructions to the representatives on the present difficultys that attend

68 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

the trade of this town, myself, Dr. Warren, Dr. Church, Mr. John
Adams, Mr. Daua, and Mr. Henderson Inches. The Selectmen were
ordered to attend the Gov'' and Council to hear the report of their
committee and their consultations with Capt. Corner of his Majesty's
ship the Romney.

June 17. — Spent the forenoon with the same committee as yester-
day. Town meeting in the afternoon.

Jane 18 and July 3. — [Arrival of his Majesty's sloop, the Beaver.]

June 30. — This day the General Court behaved very steadily and
according to the approbation of most good people who have any regard
for their country and posterity, [voting] that they would not rescind their
former resolutions which the Earl of Hillsborough took offence at, vide
newspapers. Number of votes in the House, 109: 17 yeas, 92 nays.
For my own satisfaction I record the seventeen yeas that were so mean
spirited to vote away their blessings as Englishmen, namely, their rights,
liberty and proper tys.

July 8. — The Senegall man of war, Capt. Cookson, arrived here
this day.

July 16. — Rose early [at Flax Pond, Lynn] and went fishing ; dined
at Mrs. Graves' ; came home, and Mrs. R. told me of the Sons of Lib-
erty visiting Mr. Williams the evening before, and that he engaged to
meet them on the Change this day, which he did, and great numbers,
she says, were present ; he asked them what questions they had to ask
him that he might answer them, but no person made him any reply.
[This relates to John Williams, Inspector-General of the Customs.]

July 18. — Spent the afternoon with the committee of merchants at
the Coffee House. Present myself, John Hancock, Edward Payne,
Henderson Inches, Melatiah Bourn, and Thomas Boylston.

July 29. — This forenoon the Governour and Council met on affairs
of consequence, its supposed relative to the introduction of troops, which
has greatly alarmed the inhabitants.

Aug. 1. — Spent the afternoon at the general merchants' meeting at
Faneuil Hall, at which place there were present sixty-two, sixty of
which signed an agreement I have on file not to import any goods.
Spent the evening at Mr. Barber's insurance office ; and the silver bowl
was this evening for the first time introduced. No. 45 weighs 45 ounces,
holds 45 gills. [Present Hancock, Otis, Adams, and others.]

Aug. 2. — The committee of merchants met and got further subscrip-
tions. [The Diary records many of these meetings.]

Aug. 8. — The merchants met at Faneuil Hall, present about 100.

Aug. 15. — Dined at Greaton's with a number of gentlemen [Hancock,
Otis, Samuel Adams, Warren, Church, Josiah Quinoy, Paul Revere, Scol-
lay. Brimmer, and others], about one hundred, wlio were very jovial and
pleasant, and in the forenoon a great number of people were at Liberty

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 69

Hall, where there was a variety of good musick exhibited, and great
joy appeared ia every counteuaace, beiug the anniversary day of the
Sons of Liberty.

Sept. 9. — The Governour told me in conversation yesterday morn-
ing tliat he had staved off the introducing troops as long as he could,
but could do it no longer.

Sept. 20. — Afternoon I attended the Selectmen and waited on the
Council to consult about barracks for the troops that are expected.

Sept. 23. — King's coronation day. The convention met at Faneuil
Hall this day.

Sept. 28. — This forenoon came to anchor in Nantasket Road six
sail of men of war, supposed to have the 14th Regmt. and 29th Regi-
ments on board.

Sept. 29. — Arrived three more of his Majesty's ships of war from
Halifax, so that are now in our harbour [names of eleven vessels and
their commanders given].

Oct. 1. — This day the troops came ashore, the 14th and 29th Regi-
ments and two companies of the 59th, with a company of artillery;
they marched into the Common. Colo. Dalrymple summoned the Select-
men ; they all met and did not think themselves obliged to take cogni-
zance for their being quartered in town, so that the 29th pitched their
tents in the Common, the 14th got into Faneuil Hall, and part of the
59th at Rob' Gordon's stores.

Oct. 2. — Sunday. I went to the Coffee House to pay a visit to Mr.
Edington, and was most smartlj' accosted by Capt. Dundass [commander
of one of the fleet just arrived] in the following words : " Hah, John,
are you there ? Dammy, I expected to have heard of your being
hanged before now, for damn you, you deserve it " — upon which I
made reply, " Surely, Capt. Dundass, you 're joking." Upon which he
answered, " No, damn him if he was, for you are a damn incendiary,
and I shall see you hanged in your shoes," and repeated the same ; upon
which I says to him, " Then you are in earnest, are you. I was in hopes
you were joking." " No," he repeated, " damn you, I am in earnest.
I tell you, you are an incendiary, and I hope to see you hanged yet in
your shoes." I took notice who were present, as it was spoke about
twelve of clock at noon. Mr. Forrest, Mr. Philip Dumaresqu, Mr.
George Brinly, and several officers of the army who I did not know in
the Coffee Room and entry way. I thought it prudent not to take any
notice of it just then, but came home to dinner.

Oct. 10. — Last night some villains cut the frame of the Guard House
so as to render it useless. Some people make light of this affair, but I
think the scoundrels who did it ought to be severely punished, and I
wish they may be found out.

Oct. 15. — Generall Gage arrived from New York at Major Byard's

70 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOKICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

at Roxbury. The regiments were under arms and made a good appear-
ance. The Geuerall with his attendants came into town about 4 p. m.
The artillery saluted with 17 guns; they past and marched along the
front of both regiments, and Capt. Willson's two companies who were
formed in the center.

Oct. 16. — Sunday. This morning I waited on Colo. Robertson, who
came with General Gage ; he received me very politely. I had a full
hour's discourse with hira about the troops. I find him to be a gentle-
man of great abilitys and very cool and dispassionate. I took a walk
[after afternoon service] and met General Gage and Colo. Dalrymple.
General Gage engaged me to wait on him to-morrow morning.

Oct. 17. — I paid Genl. Gage a visit on business, who received me
very kindly.

Oct. 22. — Waited on Colo. Maitland, Adjutant-Generall, to provide
a division for the King's gunpowder in the magazine ; also attended
Genl. Gage and Colo. Robertson.

Oct. 23. — Sunday. The Honble. John Temple Esq.'s child was
christened this forenoon at our church. The sponsors were Genl. Gage,
Robert Temple, Esq. and his lady, by the name of Greenville.

Oct. 24. — Dined at home with Generall Gage, Colo. Robinson,
Colo. Dalrymple, Capt. Smith of the Mermaid, Colo. Maitland, Colo.
Kerr, Capt. Kimball, Major Gambell, Capt. Sheriff, Capt. Matrin, the
Geul.'s Secretary, Mr. Inman, INIrs. Rowe, and Sucky.

Oct. 25. — The Romney sailed for Halifax. I waited on Colo. Rob-
ertson this morning. The regiments mustered this day in the Common
and made a fine appearance. Colo. Dalrymple paid me a visit this
evening. King's coronation day.

Oct. 27. — This afternoon the soldiers quitted Faneuil Hall.

Oct. 29. — This day the troops went from Faneuil Hall into the
barracks.

Oct. ^\. — This morning very early a soldier of Colo. Dalrymple's
regiment was shot for desertion.

Nov. 3. — This morning Colo. Kerr's regiment was reviewed by the
General.

Nov. 7. — [General Gage and other officers dine at Cambridge at
Mr. Inman's.J

Nov. 8. — I paid Genl. Gage a visit this morning, who received me
very politely and agreeably.

Noo. 9. — Tis reported that the Commissioners [of the Customs]
came to town this day. I saw one of them, Mr. Robinson.

Nov. 10. — This morning Colo. Pomroy arrived with part of the
Irish regiments No. 64 and 65.

Nov. 13. — Sunday. The Viper man of war arrived, Capt. Lyndsay,'

1 Robert or John Linzcc.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN KOWE. 71

from Hallifax. The Commissioners and their officers all at church this
day, and the first time they have appeared in publick. Dr. Gather wood
arrived in the Romney man of war, Capt. Connor, from Hallifax ; in her
the Commodore and lady, also Lord Wm. Campbell, and Capt. Goold.
The Doctor gives the Commodore Hood a great character.

Nov. 24. — General Gage and family went out of town this morning.
I took my leave of the General, who behaves very politely, &c.

Dec. 1. — Thanksgiving day. I paid a visit to Lord Wm. Campbell
at Mr. Boutineau's, who was going on board.

Dec. 5. — Be it remembered that Sir Thos. Rich of the Senegall
pressed all Capt. Dashwood's hands.

Dec. 15. — Capt. McNeal arrived from Quebec, who brought me a
bill on the Commissioners of the Customs. I attended with Capt. Watts
from twelve till almost three on their high mightinesses ; this behavior
is not only very insolent, but not to be born, and for which they may
hear more about.

Jan. 1 0, 1769. — When I came home [in the evening] I found the Rev*
Mr. Walter, with whom I had two hours' conversation on the times.

Jan. 19. — Queen's Birth Day. Three regiments under arms in the
Common, 14th, 29th, 64th; they made a fine appearance. Spent the
evening at the Assembly for the first time ; too much confusion.

March 13. — Town meeting. I desired my friends not to vote for
me as Selectman, and in consequence was not chose, but Mr. Jonathan
Mason was chose in my room. In the afternoon I went to town meet-
ing. Mr. Saml. Adams affair came on, and the prayer of his petition
granted, which appears to me to be a very wrong step in the town, and
what they I am afraid will repent.

April 12. — Some letters of Gov"" Bernard to the Earl of Hillsborough
are sent over by Mr. Bollan, which makes great noise and censure.

April 16. — I paid a visit to the Generall this forenoon.

April 19. — I paid a visit to Commodore Hood this morning.

April 24. — This afternoon Mr. Hooper of Marblehead came to town,
and bring the melancholly account of Lieut. Panton being killed in en-
deavoring to press some hands of Mr. Hooper's brigg, Capt. Poor, from
Cadiz.

May 23. — This day a special court of admiralty sat at the Court
House on the tryall of a man that killed Lieut. Panton of the Rose.
They consisted of the Governour, Commodore Hood, Lieut.- Gov-
ernour, the Secretary, Judge Auchmooty, Robt. Trail, Esq., Collector
of Portsmouth, and Mr. Nutting, Collector of Salem ; they adjourned
to Thursday. The lawyers that pleaded for the Crown, the King's at-
norney, Mr. Fitch his assistant; for the prisoner, James Otis, Esq., and
John Adams, Esq.

Jane 14. — This day Power and others were on tryal for their con-

t2 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

duct on board the Rose man of war ; their behaviour was very courageous,
and I think veiy right.

July 8. — When I came home [in the afternoon] I found Capt. Robt.
Lyndsay at our house, being arrived in the Viper sloop of war from So.
Carohna, his brother Capt. John Lyndsay, and Mr. Harry Hood.

Aug. 1. — This forenoon Capt. Thompson in the Rippon man of war
for England, and Gov. Bernard went home in him. Tlie flagg hoisted
on Liberty Tree ; the bells ringing great joy to the people, a great bon-
fire in King Street, and on Fort Hill.

^ug. 4. — We sunk the box at my wharf this noon, and were very
lucky. I attended the merchants' meeting this afternoon, who gave me a
pretty tight lecture about the importation of some porter on board Jarvis.
I wish the porter had not been imported, as tis like to make an un-
easiness.

Aug. 14. — The Sons of Liberty met at Liberty Tree, and dined at
Robinson's at Dorchester ; they contained 139 carriages on their return.
Mr. Hancock preceded the company, and Mr. Otis brought up the rear.

Sept. 5. — In the evening an affray happened at the Coffee House
between Mr. Robinson the Commissioner and James Otis, Esq. ; its
said Otis is much bruised. [Otis brought an action against Robinson.
Rowe was present at the trial, July 25, 1771, and records, July 26, the
result, a verdict of £2000 sterling damages in favor of the plaintiff.]

Sept. 6. — I find the inhabitants greatly alarmed at the usage Mr.
Otis met with ; tis generally thought he was very rascally treated ;
this afternoon the sheriff took Mr. Brown, Esq., formerly of Salem,
for being accessory in beating Mr. Otis ; he was carried to Faneuil Hall,
and examined before Justice Dana and Justice Pemberton, and followed
by a great number of people, I believe about two thousand. Mr. Murray
was there, and used rouglily by the people.

Sept. 28. — Dined at his Honor the Lieut.-Governor's, with him, his
two daughters, his two sons Thomas and Elisha, Mr. Harris, a gentle-
man from St. Christopher's, Mr. Birch and Mr. Paxton, two of the
Commissioners, for the first time since their arrival I have been in their
company, and which I did not know now.

Sept. 30. — This day the Custom House officers made a large seizure
from Capt. John Homer, who I take to be a very honest, good man,
and for which I am very sorry should happen at this time.

Oct. 3. — This morning the mercliants met at Faneuil Hall to con-
sider what measures should be taken about Capt. Bryant's cargo.

Oct. 4. — This day there was a town meeting, and the transactions
are agreed to be printed to-morrow.

Oct. 28. — Mr. Mein's publication that appeared to-day has given
great uneasiness, and this evening he was spoke to by Capt. Dashwood.
Some people getting around, he got into Ezek' Price's office, and from

1S95.] DIARY OF JOHN HOWE. 73

there fired a pistoll and wounded a grenadier of the 29th regiment iu the
arm. Warrants were issued out to secure him, but he could not be
found. In the evening a large mob assembled and got hold of one
George Greyer, an informer, who they stript naked and pay'd [painted]
him all over with tarr, and then covered him with feathers and put him
in a cart and carried him througli all the main streets of the town, huz-
zaing, &c., and at nine dismissed him ; this matter occasioned much
terror, &c., in some fearful people among the inhabitants. When this
happened I was with the Possee.

1770. Jan. 1. — This afternoon the committee of merchants came
to wait on me about Mr. Wm. Sheaffe's affair, Deacon Phillips, Wm.
Dennie, Wm. Greenleaf, Mr. MoUiiieaux, and John Ruddock, Esq.

Jan. 9. — Dined at home with his Honor the Lieut.- Governour, his
brother Foster Hutchinson, Esq., Col. Dalrymple, Capt. Caldwell, Mr.
Nicholas Boylston, Mr. Inman, Mr. John Lane, and Mrs. Rovve.

Jan. 17. — Spent the afternoon at the merchants' meeting at Faneuil
Hall, and part of the evening at the Coffee House. This day the Body
of merchants visited Mr. Wm. Jackson.

Jan. 18. — The merchants met again this day, and the whole Body,
as they are called, visited the sons of his Honor, Mr. Theopliilus Lillie,
Mr. John Taylor, Mr. William Jackson again, and Mr. Nat. Rogers.
They adjourned untill to-morrow ten of clock.

Jan. 19. — The merchants met again to-day. Messrs. Hutchinson
agreed to deliver up.

Jan. 23. — The Trade met again to-day at Faneuil Hall, which
highly displeased the Lieut.-Governour, who sent the sheriff and
ordered them to disperse, which they took no notice of. Colo. Dalrymple,
I believe, ordered his regiment to keep under arms all night. The
Body voted said Colo. Dalrymple should be cashiered.

Feh. 26. — This afternoon the boy that was killed by Richardson was
buried, and I am very sure two thousand people attended his funerall.

March 3, — A quarrel between some of the 29th regiment and the
ropemakers yesterday and to-day.

March 5. — Monday. This night the 29th regira' on duty. A
quarrel between the soldiers and inhabitants ; the bells rung ; a great
number assembled in King Street. A party of the 29th under the com-
mand of Capt. Preston fired on the people ; they killed five, wounded
several others, particularly Mr. Edw*^ Payne in his right arm. Capt.
Preston bears a good character ; he was taken in the night and com-
mitted, also seven more of the 29th. The inhabitants are greatly
eniaged, and not without reason.

March 6. — Most all the town in uproar and confusion. The Gov""
and Council met. The cryer went about to warn a town meeting at
eleven of clock. The inhabitants met at Faneuil 'Hall ; they chose a

10

74 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mak.

respectable committee to wait on his Honor the Lieut. -Governour to
desire tlie troops might be removed from the town. Upon which he
consulted Colo. Dalrymple and Colo. Kerr. The Lieut. -Governour
returned for answer that the 29th regiment should go to the Castle and
the 14th regiment remain in town. Afternoon the inhabitants met at
the Old South Meeting House ; after some debate they unanimously
voted not to accept the Lieut.- Governour's proposals, but chose another
committee of seven to wait on him again and insist on all the troops
being removed from the town, and without this is complyed with, it
would not be satisfactory to the inhabitants. The committee went and
returned that his Honor would order both regiments to the Castle, and
Colo. Dalrymple consented to it ; this gave great joy to the inhabitants,
and I believe a generall satisfaction, so that they went from the meeting
very peaceably to their habitations.

March 7. — A military watch to-night.

March 8. — I attended the funeral of the four unhappy people that
were killed ou Monday last. Such a concourse of people I never saw
before, — I believe ten or twelve thousand. One corps with their rela-
tions followed the other, and then the selectmen and inhabitants. A
military watch again to-night.

March 9. — I went and paid a visit to Capt. Preston in goal, who I
found in much better spirits than I expected. Military watch.

March 10. — Yesterday two companies of the 29th went to the Castle,
and four companies more went this day ; still a military watch.

March 12. — The remainder of the 2yth went to the Castle this day;
still a military watch.

March 15. — Spent the afternoon with the town committee, myself
chairman, John Ruddock, Esq., Isaac Smith, Wm. Dennie and Mr.
Timothy P^itch, at the Coffee House.

March 16. — Mr. Otis got into a mad freak to-night, and broke a
great many windows in the Town House. All the 14th regiment are
gone to the Castle, the last of them this day. Capt. Robson and Capt.
Miller both sailed for London this forenoon, in Capt. Robson. Mr.
Robinson, one of the Board of Commissioners, went passenger.

March 17. — This afternoon another of the unhappy sufferers was
buried from Faneuil Hall. The General Court sitting at Cambridge,
which will be the cause of a quarrell between the Lieut.-Governour and
the House of Representatives.

March 18. — Colo. Dalrymple sent for me, and I paid him a visit.
T was glad to find that Colo. Dalrymple was pleased with the answer to
his letters by return of the express.

March 19. — Town meeting again to-day. The town voted a vessell
to be hired to carry home dispatches, and Capt. Dashwood offered him-
self a candidate to carry them.

1895] DIARY OF JOHN EOWE. 75

April 18. — Mr. Hancock was chosen Speaker of the House pro tem-
pore, and negatived by the Lieut.-Governour. Colo. Warren was chose
in his room and approved.

April 20. — I attended the meeting of the Trade, as it is called ;
they passed a vote 1 did not like. The infamous Richardson on
tryall to-day.

April il. — Richardson was found guilty by the jury. I attended
the merchants' meeting this forenoon.

April 22. — This afternoon Mr. Otis behaved very madly, firing guns
out of his window, that caused a large number of people to assemble
about him.

April 24. — Capt. Scot brings an account of the repeal of the dutys
on glass, oyl, paper, and painters' colours, but the duty on tea still re-
mains. Tis said our Lieut.-Governour is made Governour; he nega-
tived Gushing as Commissary Generall.

April 25. — • Merchants' meeting. I attended. I was to my great
mortitication chose a committeeman.

April 26. — Attended merchants' meeting. I did not approve much
of their proceedings ; think them too severe.

May 16. — Yesterday Lord Drummond, Colo. Robinson, Colo. Dal-
rymple, and Jos. Goldthwait paid Mrs. Rowe and Sucky a visit.

Afuy 17. — This morning the 29 regiment marched from the Castle
to Providence.

3Iay 18. — Just as I was going to bed there was a very great halloo-
ing in the street, and a mob of upwards a thousand people ; it seems
they had got an informer, and put him in a cart covered with tarr and
feathers, and so exhibited him thro' the streets.

June 4. — [Artillery election. Dinner at Faneuil Hall, where the
Lieutenant-Governor, officers, and citizens were present.] Spent part
of the evening with the House of Representatives at the Province House
in drinking his Mnjesty's health. A great many gentlemen attended
this publick mark of loyalty to his Majesty and family.

June 6. — Town meeting. Mr. John Adams was chose a member
for the town.

June 14. — In the afternoon I paid the Lieut.-Governour a visit at
his seat at Milton.

July 22. — Capt. Smith of the Nassau arrived from London, and
gives an account of the prorogation of the Parliament, the 20th of May,
without repealing the duty on tea. The people, I hope, will have virtue
enough never to make use of it as long as the duty is demanded.

July 24. — This afternoon the Body, as they are called, met, and just
before some of them proceeded through the streets with Dr. Young at
their head, with three flags flying, drums beating, and a French horn.
Thos. Baker carried one of them, for which he is much blamed by me.

76 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

The meeting to-day will, I believe, prove very prejudicial to the mer-
chants and trade of the town of Boston.

July 26. — The Gov'' offered me the Colon's Commission.

July 2S. — Sam. Adams, Wm. Molliueux, Dr. Warren, and D,".
Young paid me a visit this evening.

Aug. 14. — The Rev"^ Mr. Whitfield came to town this day. A large
party of the Sous of Liberty dined this day at the house of Thos. Carnes
at Dorchester.

Sept. 10, — This day the Council set, and the Lieut.-Governour deliv-
ered up the Castle unto Colo. Dalrymple by express order from his
Majesty in Council. I spent the evening at the Coffee House with the
merchants; present 24.

Sept. 11-15. — [Rowe attends meetings of the merchants, or " Body,"
from 50 to 100 being present ; and on the 15th " they came to a conclu-
sion to forward a letter to the trade at Philadelphia."]

Oct. 9. — I went on boai'd the Rose with Capt. Caldwell, from thence
to the Castle, and from thence on board the Roraney, and dined with
Commodore Hood, his lady, his son, Major Butler of the 65th, INIajor
Powell of the 38th, Dr. Petersby, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. West. I re-
turned and spent the evening with the committee of merchants at the
Coffee House, Henderson Inches, John Amory, Edward Payne, Isaac
Smith, and myself. Capt. John Linzee arrived in the Beaver from
Halifax.

Oct. 16. — Spent the evening at home with Capt. John Lynzee,
Mrs. Rowe, Sucky, and Sally Inman.

Oct. 19. — I dined at home with the following company : Capt. Bar-
clay of the Salisbury, Capt. Hide Parker of the Boston, Capt. Benj.
Caldwell of the Rose, Capt. Bond of the Gibraltar, vSir Thomas Rich
of the Senegall, Capt. John Lynzee of the Beaver, Colo. Dalrymple
and Capt. Mason of the 14th reg', INIr. Inman, Mrs. Rowe, and Sucky
Inman.

Oct. 23. — The judges of the Superior Court met to-day, and ordered
the triall of Capt. Preston to-morrow.

Oct. 24, — Capt. Preston's trial came on.

Oct. 25. — Capt. Preston still on tryall.

Oct. 26. — Capt. Preston still on tryall.

Oct. 27. — Capt. Preston still on tryall ; adjourned untill Monday.

Oct. 29. — Capt. Preston still on tryall. The judges gave their opin-
ion in his favor. The jury's verdict for Capt. Preston, not guilty.

Nov. 18. — Great talk of a Spanish war, and a report of the plague
being broke out in the island of Ilispaniola.

Nov. 20. — A ship and a schooner arrived from. Hispaniola ; were
ordered to perform <{uarantine.

Dec. 5. — This day the tryall of the soldiers ended [the trial had been

1895.J DIARY OF JOHN EOWE. 77

going on since Nov. 28] ; six of them were acquitted, and two were
found guilty of manslaughter.

1771. Jan. 3. — [Concert and dance at Concert Hall. Colonel
Dairy mple and officers of the navy present.]

Jan. 18. — [" The Queen's birthday, guns firing, jovial day " ; dance
at Concert Hall. Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and officers of the
army and navy present, " commissioners, all the best people in town :
a general coalition, so that harmony, peace, and friendship will once more
be established in Boston."]

Jan. 29. — Spent an hour with Mr. James Otis, who I found in a
gloomy way.

March 14. — The Governour's [Hutchinson] commission read to-day,
also the Lieut.-Governour [Andrew Oliver] ; the company that waited
on the Governour were gentlemen of reputation and the best fortunes.
I dined at Mr. Geo. Erving's with him, Mrs. Waldo, Mr. John Erving,
Mr. Inman, Mr. Porter the Comptroller of the Board, Mr. Robt. Hallo-
well, Comptroller of the Customs, and Mr. John Lane, and spent the
evening at the Assembly, which was very brilliant.

March 15. — Afternoon the merchants met at the British Coffee
House to pi-epare an address to the Governour. Present Rich'* Clark,
Jos. Green, myself, John Erving, George Erving, Thos. Gray, Hen-
derson Indies, Edw** Payne, Melatiah Bourne, Danl. Hubbard, Ezekiel
Goldthwait, John Deunie, John Amory, and Solomon Davis, and spent
the evening there with most of the same company.

March 18. — The merchants waited on his Excellency the Governour
with their address ; present 106.

April 3. — This day the General Court meets at Cambridge. The
Governour was met by the gentlemen of Cambridge and escorted to the
College, where there was an oration spoke in Latin by one of the
students.

May 7. — I attended town meeting for the choice of representatives.
Mr. Otis, Mr. Cushing, Mr. Saml. Adams, and Mr. Hancock were chose
by a great majority.

June 16. — There were three seizures made, some tea at Plymouth,
a schooner from St. Peters with brandy, wine, &c., another schooner that
short entered her cargoe of molasses belonging to Mr. Forster of Cape
Ann. These affairs give great uneasiness, and tis believed will raise
the minds of the people.

June 17. — Another sloop was seized this day from St. Peters by
Capt. Parker of the Boston man of war.

Aug. 17. — I am very busy in sending provisions off to the ships.

Sept. 4. — I dined on board the Beaver, Capt. John Linzee. The
Beaver people made a seizure, for which I am sorry.

Nov. 16. — The printers of the Massachusetts'Spy was sent for by

78 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

the Gov"" and Council ; they ordered the King's attorney to prosecute
them.

1772. Feh. 5. — Mr. Goldthwait tohl us of a conference between him
and Molliueux, very extraordinary, wanting Mr. G. to destroy Josiah
Quincy and Beuj° Kent.-^

March 5. — A town meeting this morning ; they adjourned to Dr.
Sewall's meeting house, where there was an oration spoke by Dr.
Warren on the memory of this day, two year ; tis said upwards of four
thousand people were present. . . . There was an exhibition at Mrs.
Clappam's in King Street this evening ; a great many spectators.

April 19. — James Otis came to town this day.

June 4. — [King's birthday celebrated by parade of Colonel Erving's
regiment, the Grenadiers, and Major Paddock's company ; visit to the
Governor at the Council Chamber ; and a ball at Concert Hall, attended
by the admiral and other officers of the navy.]

June 24. — Wednesday, St. John's Day. Dr. Warren and his lodge
walked in procession to Dr. Byles' church, where a sermon was preached
by Mr. Saml, Fairweather. I dined with the lodges under my care at
Brother Brackett's [names of the brethren given].

July 7. — Colo. Hancock turned out this forenoon with the Cadet
company ; they made a good figure and behaved very well throughout
the whole of the exercise. The whole regiment appeared in the Common
this afternoon, also Major Paddock's company; the whole behaved
much better than usual.

October 31. — After dinner I rode over to Bracket's, where I spent
an- hour with Treasurer Gray, John Cotton, and we were joyned by
James Otis, who [had] been to wait on Gov"" Hutchinson as a committee
man from the Town of Boston.

Nov. 2. — I attended Mr. John Adams this morning about Colo. Lee's
affair.

Nov. 16. — The Admirall sent for me this morning and told me about
the fresh beef contract extending to New England, and demanded a
supply for the ships at Rhode Island.

1773. Feb. 8. — This morning my brigg sailed for So. Carolina,
Capt. Skimmer. Young Josiah Quincy went passenger.

March 5. — Dr. Church performed an oration at Dr. Sewall's meet-
ing, the judges say to great acceptance. This evening an exhibition in
Mrs. Clapham's balcony. A great concourse of people in King Street
of all sorts, and a large number to remember the 5th of March, 1770,
assembled at Mrs. Clapham's.

May 22. — Our commissioners returned home last night from the

^ This record without further information is not intelligible. The "Josiah
Quincy" must have been the "Junior," as tlie father retired from business to
his estate in Braintree in 1756.

1895.] DIAKY OF JOHN KOWE. 79

Congress of New York about the Hue, which was held at Hartford ;
they have adjusted the affair to the satisfactiou of the Government.
Present Gov"". Hutchinson, Genl. Brattle, Colo. Hancock and Major
Hawley.

May 27. — Two of the Commissioners [of Customs] were very much
abused yesterday when they came out from the publick dinner at Con-
cert Hall, Mr. Hulton and Mr. Hallowell. W" Molineux, W" Dennie,
Paul Revere and severall others were the principall actors.

June 4. — King's birthday, aged 35. Colo. Hancock and Company of
Cadets, Major Paddock and artillery, Colo. Erving and the Regiment,
Colo. Phipps and Company, all made their appearance in the Common ;
such a quantity or rather multitude of people as spectators I never saw
before ; they behaved very well.

July 25. — The Reverend Dr. Cooper's Meeting House, built new,
was preached in for the first time this day.

Aiuj. 14. — This day the Sons of Liberty held their annual feast at
Roxbury in the training field by John Williams' ; there was upwards
of four hundred that dined there.

Oct. 4. — I visited the Admirall this morning, and settled the accounts
for July and August navy matters with Mr. Atkinson.

Oct. 25. — King's accession to the throne. The Cadets under arms.
General muster at Cambridge.

Nov. 2. — This morning the Rev** Mr. Walter and Mr. Parker paid
me a visit on affairs of our cimrch. When I got abroad I found an
advertisement stuck up at almost every corner as follows : —

" To the Freemen of this and the Neighbouring Towns, — Gen™,
you are desired to meet at Liberty Tree this day at Twelve of Clock at
noon, then and there to hear the Persons to whom the Tea shipped
by the East India Company is consigned make a publick Resignation
of their Office as Consignees upon Oath and also swear that they will
re-ship any Tea that may be Consigned to them by said Company by the
first Vessell sailing for London."

Boston, Nov. 3d, 1773. O. C, Secretary.

Nov. 3. — This day the inhabitants of the town are alarmed, occa-
sioned by the advertisement of yesterday. The gentlemen to whom
the tea was supposed to be consigned did not obey the summons and
make their appearance at Liberty Tree, upon which the Sons of Lib-
erty appointed a committee to go and wait of them to know their deter-
mination, upon which the committee with a large concourse of people
went from Liberty Tree to the store of Mr. Rich'' Clark and Sons at the
bottom of King Street, where they found Mr. Rich"* Clark, Mr. Benj'"
Faneuil, the Governour, two sons, ^ and Mr. Jos. Winslowof Marshfield,

1 This probably means the Governor's two sons.

80 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

who are the gentlemen these teas are supposed to be consigned to.
There was several of their friends there with them, Colo. Hatch of
Dorchester, Judge Lee of Cambridge, Mr. Nat. Cary, Mr. Tho^ Laugh-
ton, Mr. John Winslow, and many others. Mr. Mollineaux, as chair-
man of this committee, then read to them a paper, and produced another
which they required them to sign, &c. Mr. Rich** Clark and the other
gentlemen gave them for answer, they would not comply with their
request, or words to that purpose ; this was an unexpected answer to
them, and has given them much displeasure. The principal people
that accompanied Mr. Molliueux were as follows : Mr. Sam' Adams,
Mr. W" Dennie, Mr. John Pitts, Col. Heath of Roxbury, Dr. Church,
Dr. Warren, Dr. Young, Capt, Jn° Matchet, Capt. Hopkins, Nat Barber,
Gabriel Jobnnot, Ezek' Chever, and about five hundred more as near
as I could guess. I spent the evening at the Bunch of Grapes, Colo.
Ingersoll, with Treas. Gray, Tiios. Gray, James Warden, Nat Cary,
Geo. Erving, Melatiah Bourn, Jos. Scot, Jos. Blanchard, Thos.
Brattle, Tuthill Hubbard, Jos. Winslow, Jos. Goldthwait, John Cotton,
Solo, Davis, Edw*^ Davis, W"" Davis, and Sam' Quincy. The same piece
was posted up this day as yesterday with this addition : '' Show me the
man that dare take this down."

Nov. 4. — The town very quiet this day. I dined at Bracketts on
Boston Neck on turtle. . . . Spent the evening at the Possee. . . .
Thos. Palmer Esq. had his ball to-night at the Concert Hall.

Nov. 5. — This day there is to be a town meeting. Mr. Palmer's
ball was very brilliant; there were upwards of two hundred gentlemen
and ladies. Very quiet for a Pope Night.

Nov. 6. — Town meeting again this forenoon.

Nov. \\. — The geese flew to the s°ward yesterday.

Nov. 12. — The Gov"" sent Colo. Hancock an order for him to hold
his company in readiness in case of any riot or tumult happening.

Nov. 17. — This morning Capt. Scot arrived from London ; he brings
advice that Hall, Loring, Coffin, and Bruce are to bring the tea from
the East India Company. This a measure that is generally disap-
proved, and will remain the great occasion of disagreement between
England and America.

Nov. 18. — Last night a considerable body of people paraded thro'
the streets and attacked the house of Mr. Ricli*^ Clark. One of his
family fired a gun from the house, but luckily did no hurt. They broke
all his windows and window frames, but very little other damage. This
morning a town meeting was called on this and the tea affair. Another
committee chose. The gentlemen to whom the tea is consigned are
still resolved to pursue such orders as they may receive.

Nov. 19. — This day the gentlemen to whom the tea is consigned
petitioned the Governor and Couucill relative their affairs.

1805.] DIARY OP JOHN ROWE. 81

iVby. 23. — The Governor and Councill met this morning on the
tea matters.

Nov. 28. — Sunday. This morning was bro' me a threatening letter
signed " Determined," which is on file. This agitated my mind, and I
did not go to church. Capt. Hall arrived from London. Great noise
about the tea on board of Capt. Hall.

Nov. 29. — This morning there were papers stuck up to the follow-
ing purpose : "Friends, Brethren, Countrymen ! That worst of Plagues,
the Detestable Tea, ship'd for this Port by the East India Company, is
now arrived in this harbour ; the Hour of Destruction or manly Oppo-
sition to the INIachinations of Tyranny stares you in the Face ; every
Friend to his Country, to himself and Posterity is now called upon to
meet at Faneuil Hall at nine of clocli, this Day (at which time the
Bells will begin to Ring) to make a united and successful Resistance to
this last worst and most Destructive Measure of Administration.

Boston, Nov. 29, 1773."

In consequence of the above notification about one thousand people
met at Faneuil Hall, where they past a vote that they would at all events
return this tea ; from Faneuil Hall they adjourned to the Old South
Meeting ; afternoon they met again and adjourned untill the morning ;
there were in the meeting this afternoon ab' twenty-five hundred people
as near as I could guess.

Nov. 30. — The Body met again this morning. The Gov' sent them
a message advising them to depart at their perill. They took but little
notice of the message ; tliey met again this afternoon. I told him that
I had purchased a cargo for Capt. Bruce' ship, that it was on the
wharff, and that Capt. Bruce when he arrived would apply to the
Body, and that I would endeavor to prevail on him to act with reason
in this affair, and that I was very sorry he had any tea on board, — and
which is very true, for it hath given me great uneasiness. I staid
sometime at the meeting and was chose a committee man much against
my will, but I dare not say a word. After dinner I was sent for by the
Body by two messengers, John Ingersoll and Jos. Eyres. This was at
the motion of Mr. Hancock. I wish he had omitted it.^

Dec. 1 . — Met the Committee ; present Sam Adams, Jno. Hancock,
Jonathan Williams, myself.

Dec. 2. — Capt. Bruce arriv'd this morning from London.

Dee. 3. — This morning Capt. Bruce and I was sent for by the com-
mittee relative the tea on board him ; they ordered him to Griffins
Wharff and gave him the same directions as to Capt. Hall.

Dec. 8. — Capt. Coffin arrived in Nantasket Road with the small-
pox, and part of the tea.

1 A note of Rowe to Thomas and Elislia Hutchinson, other consigrnees of the
tea, offering to advance money to them to pay the dutyl will be found in "Diary
and Letters" of Governor Hutchinson, i. 97.

11

82 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Dec. 11. — This forenoon a committee was sent to me ab' Brace's ship,
Dr. Warren, W" Mollineux, John Pitts, to know when she would be
unloaded and many other questions.

Dec. 16. — I being a little unwell staid at home all day and all the
evening. The Body meeting in the forenoon adjourn'd untill afternoon.
Broke up at dark. Several things passed between JNIr. Rotch^ and them.
A number of people appearing in Indian dresses went on board the three
ships Hall, Bruce, and Coffin ; they opened the hatches, hoisted out the
tea, and flung it overboard ; this might, I believe, have been prevented.
I am sincerely sorry for the event. Tis said near two thousand people
were present at this affair.

Dec. 18. — The affair of destroying the tea makes great noise in the
town ; tis a disastrous affair, and some people are much alarmed. I can
truly say I know nothing of the matter, nor wiio were concerned in it.
I would rather have lost five hundred guineas than Cap' Bruce should
have taken any of this tea on board his ship.

Dec. 31. — The people of Charlestowu collected what tea they could
find in the town and burnt it in tlie view of a thousand spectators. There
was found in the house of one Withington of Dorchester about half a
chest of tea ; the people gathered together and took the tea, brought it
into the Common of Boston, and burnt it this night about eleven of clock.
This is supposed to be part of the tea that was taken out of the ships
and floated over to Dorchester.

1774. Jan. 7. — I paid Admiral Montagu a visit this morning, and
found him very angry, I think without reason ; be that as it may, if he
is angry he may be pleased again, &c. I wish the good wishes of all
mankind, and should esteem his favors ; but as for his business, that don't
give me any concern : he has taken it away without just cause.

Jan. 25. — .John Malcom having done some violence to a man with
a sword enraged the multitude that they took him and put him into a
cart, tarr'd and feathered him, carrying through the principal streets of
this town, with a halter about him, from thence to the gallows, and
returned through the main street, making great noise and huzzaing.
I did not see the number attending, but tis supposed by the people that
did there were upwards of twelve hundred people ; tis said that Malcom
behaved with great fortitude and resolution. This was looked upon by me
and every sober man as an act of outrageous violence, and when several
of tlie inhabitants applyed to a particular justice to exert his authority
and suppress the people and they would support him in the execution of
his duty, he refused.

Jan. 26. — A great concourse of people were in quest of the infa-
mous Richardson this night. They could not find him ; very lucky
for him.

1 Rowe notes Francis Rotcli's sailing for London Jan. 0, 1774, and return
May IG.

1895.] "DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 83

Jan. 27. — The Generall Court met yesterday. The Governour's
speech much admired.

Feb. 8. ^ The Judges of the Superior Court returned their answers
to the House this day. Judge Trowbridge, Judge Ropes, Judge Foster
Hutchinson, and Judge Cushing are willing to receive their salaries as
granted them by the General Court, and relinquish their grants from
the Crown. The Chief Justice, Peter Oliver, Esq., has received part
of his money as salary granted him by the Crown already, and will
not relinquish that grant ; therefore the House voted his answer not
satisfactory.

Feb. 11. — The House of Assembly passed several resolves against
the conduct of the Chief Justice, Peter Oliver, Esq., which may be
fully seen in Fleet's and Edes's and Gill's papers, and tis my opinion
they '1 repent of their resolutions ; they are iu direct opposition to
government at home.

Feb. 15. — The Superior Court met and adjourned untill this day
week upon the account of the Chief Justice Peter Oliver. [Rowe gave
a dinner to public characters, of whom Samuel Adams was one.]

Feb. 19. — Yesterday the whole House presented in a body a remon-
strance to the Gov"' relative to the Chief Justice Mr. Oliver.

Feb. 22. — This day the Superior Court adjourned to June, which
has given great uneasiness.

Feb.^Ti. — I dined at home with the Honble. John Hancock, Esq.,
Major Joseph Hawley of Northampton, Mr. Robt. T. Paine of Taunton,
Mr. John Pickering of Salem, Jedediah Prebble of Falmouth, Casco
Bay, Mr. Isaac Lathrop of Plymouth, the Honble. W™ Sever of King-
ston, Mr. Gorham of Charlestown, Mr. Inman, Mrs. Inman, Mrs. Rowe,
and Geo. Inman.

March 5. — Mr. Hancock delivered an oration this day at Dr. Sewall's
meeting-house to the greatest number of people that ever met on the
occasion. I tryd to get in, but could not. Some gentlemen sjieak of the
oration with great applause.

March 8. — Last evening the tea brought by Capt. Gorham in the
Brigg Fortune was destroyed. This afternoon his Honor the Lieut.-
Governour Andrew Oliver, Esq., was buried as follows. . . . Through
some misunderstanding or blunder the gentlemen of the Council! did
not attend this funerall, and but very few of the House of Representa-
tives. There was, after Colo. Hancock's company had fired and the
funerall over, as the relatives were retiring, some rude behaviour.

March 12. — Capt. Solo. Davis and I had a few words about trifles ;
he was wrong. I took him up a little too quick. I am sorry, as I
believe him honest but too volatile.

April 8. — I rose early and went down to my wharff, and there had
a long conversation with Admiral Montagu.

84 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOEICAL SOCiETY. [Mar.

April 17. — Mr. Henry Knox and Miss Lucy Flucker paid us a visit.
[They were married June 16, 1774.]

April 18. — This day the Admirull made his son George Montagu
Post, and gave him command of the Foye in the room of Capt. Jordan,
who has liberty to go home ; he also made old Mr. Thornborough mas-
ter and commander. The court martial set this day to try Lieut. Rogers
on board the Active [names of members of the court]. The result we
shall soon know.

April 24. — Tlie Post, Mr. Peter Mumpford, brings an account that
the tea ship is arrived from Antigua to New York last Monday at
Sandy Hook.

April ZO. — This evening the York paper brings an account of the
destruction of eighteen boxes of tea belonging to Capt. Chambers.

3Iay 10. — Tlie annual town meeting; the four old representatives
were chosen, Saml. Adams, John Hancock, W™ Phillips, and Thos.
Gushing ; they were almost unanimously chosen. The Harmony, Capt.
Shayler, arrived from London, and brings the severest Act ever was
penned against the town of Boston.

May 13. — Town meeting this day, relating to the distressing situa-
tion of this town, occasioned by a late Act of Parliament [Boston Port
Bill] for blocking up the harbour of Boston, which is and will [be]
a great evill ; at present there is no describing the circumstances. The
Lively man of war, Capt. Bishop, is arrived this day and brought out
Generall Gage, our new Governour. God grant his instructions be not
severe, as I think him to be a very good man.

May 14. — Spent most part of the day with the town's committee
at the Representatives' room. Present Saml. Addams, myself, John
Addams, Thos. Gushing, W™ Phillips, Henderson Inches, William Mol-
lineux, Dr. Warren.

May 16. — I spent both parts of the day with the town's committee
at the Town House. Present Mr. Samuel Adams, John Adams, Esq.,
Josiah Quincy, jun""., Esq., W" Phillips, Esq., Mr. Henderson Inches,
Mr. AVilliam MoUineux, Thos. Gushing, Esq., and myself. Capt. Hall
arrived from London ; in him came passengers, our assistant the Rev.
Mr. Parker, Mr. Francis Rotch, and Mr. William Palfry,

May 17. — This morning Generall Gage, our new Governour, landed
from the Castle after having breakfasted with Admirall Montagu on
board the Captain man of war ; he was saluted by the Castle and
the Captain man of war, and received at the Long WharfF by Colo.
Hancock's Company of Cadets. The Regiment was under arras
in King Street. The Company of Grenadiers made a good appearance.
Capt. Paddock's Company of artillery and Col. Phipps' Company of
Guards wore also under [arm.s] in King street; he came to the Town
House, had his commission read by the Secretary, and took the usual

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN KOWE. 85

oaths ; from thence he was escorted to Faneuil Hall, where a good
dinner by his Majesty's Council. There were but very few gentlemen
of the town asked to dine there.

May 18. — I waited on Generall Gage this morning, who received
me very cordially. The town met by adjournment this day. I was so
busy I could not attend.

May 24. — The merchants met at the Town House on business of
importance.

May 29. — The Admirall has now stationed all his ships [stations
given].

May 30. — I paid the Generall a visit this morning. Town meeting,
nothing done but harangue.

May ^1. — ^ The Minerva, Capt. Calahan, is gone below to take in
Gov"" Hutchinson, his son Elisha Hutchinson, and his daughter. Miss
Peggy Hutchinson, who are going passengers, as is Miss Polly
Murray.

June 1. — This is the last day any vessell can enter this harbour until
this fatall Act of Parliament is repealed. Poor unhappy Boston. God
knows only thy wretched fate. I see nothing but misery will attend
thy inhabitants.

June 2. — I met the gentlemen merchants at the west side of the
Court House in Boston. While we were in the meeting Capt. William-
son arrived at Marblehead from Bristoll and brought with him another
Act of Parliament for the better regulating the Province of the Massa-
chusetts Bay, which Act strikes the very Charter granted to this Prov-
ince by King William and Queen Mary, and is, or will be, productive
with many evils to the advancement of this his Majesty's Province, and
sour the minds of most of the inhabitants thereof. I am afraid of the
consequences that this Act will produce. I wish for harmony and
peace between Great Britain, our mother country, and the Colonies ;
but the time is farr off. The people have done amiss, and no sober
man can vindicate their conduct, but the revenge of the ministry is too
severe.

June 3. — Spent the evening at Deacon Jones' with the following
merchants: John Amory, Jonathan Amory, Saml. Barrat, Henderson
Inches, John Timmins, Eben"" Storer, W" Whitwell, Edw. Payne,
Henry Bromfield, and myself. We adjourned untill Monday evening.

June 6. — Artillery election. Brigg'' Brattle did the honors of the
day in the absence of his Excellency Governor Gage.

June 7. — There was a grand ball at Salem last evening as an enter-
tainment to Generall Gage, his officers, the Commissioners of the
Customs, and many others.

June 8. — The committee of merchants waited on Genl. Gage with
their address, Treas. Gray, Thos. Gray, Jno. Evving, Geo. Erving,

86 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Richd. Letchmere, John Timmins, Jos. Winslow, Frank Green,
James Forrest, James Anderson.

June 10. — The transports with the 4"' Regiment are arrived from
Southampton this morning.

June 12, Sunday. — After church I walked round the wharffs ; tis
impossible to describe the distressed situation of this poor town, not one
topsail merchantman to be seen.

June 14. — This is the last day any vessell can depart this harbour.
Boston, thy fate is very distressing-. The fourth Regiment lauded this
morning, and pitclied their tents in the Common by the pound, a number
of spectators to see them.

June 15. — The forty-third Regiment landed this morning, and pitched
their tents in the Common near the workhouse on that plain. This
evening the tradesmen of the town met to consult on the distress of
this place. There were upwards of eight hundred at this meeting;
they did nothing, being much divided in sentiment.

Jane 16. — I went this morning to see my kinsman Jacob Rowe,
who I found very ill and very dangerous. After dinner I spent an
hour with John Adams and Josiah Quincy, jun"". [Jacob Rowe (not
John's brotlier) died June 20, and was buried in John Rowe's tomb
under Trinity Church the 22d.]

June 17. — A generall town meeting this forenoon; they chose me
moderator. I was much engaged, and therefore did not accept. The
people at present seem very averse to accommodate matters. I think
they will repent of their behaviour sooner or later. The Governor dis-
solved the Assembly this day. The General Court chose a committee
of five to go to the Generall Congress, James Bowdoin, John Adams,
Sara. Adams, the Speaker, and Mr. Paine of Taunton.

June 27. — Town meeting; the hall so full they adjourned to the
Old South Meeting House. The debates were for and against the
Committee of Correspondence, very warm on both sides ; it lasted
all day, and adjourned until to-morrow 10 of clock. The speakers
in behalf of the committee were Saml. Adams, Josiah Quincy, jun".
Dr. AVarren, Dr. Young, W™ Mollineux, Benj. Kent. The speakers
against the behaviour of the committee were Treas' Gray, Thos. Gray,
Saml. p:iliot, Saml. Barrat, John Amory, Edw. Paine, Francis Greene,
Ezek. Goldthwait.

Jane 28. — The town met again at the Old South Meeting. The
debates very warm on both sides. I think [the committee] are wrong
in the matter. The merchants have taken up against them; they have
in my opinion exceeded their power ; and the motion was put that
they should be dismissed. The gentlemen that made and supported
this motion could not obtain their vote ; the majority were four to one
against them. This affair will cause much evill, one against the other.
I wish for peace in this town, I fear the consequences.

1805.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 87

July \. — [The Preston man of war, transports and soldiers, with
Admiral Graves and Lord Percy arrive.]

July 4. — The 38 Regiment landed this day, and pitched their tents
in the Common. I paid Admirall Montagu a visit this morning.

July 5. — The o*** Regiment landed this day, and pitched their tents
in the Common. Admirall Montagu's Lady, and Miss Sophie Montagu
paid us a visit this morning, and took leave of us, being just on their
departure for England.

July 7. — The Captain man of war, with the Admirall on board,
saluted Admirall Graves ; but the wind dyed away ; they did not sail.
The Generall visited the troops in the Common this forenoon.

July 8. — I heard of the bad behaviour of the people at Marlborough ;
its said the Speakmans were concerned ; if it proves so, they have not
only behaved ill, but contrary to my sentiments, and forfeited my
regard in future for them.

July 12. — Capt. Dove arrived from So. Carolina at Salem, with
rice as a present from sundry gentlemen there for this place.

July 14. — This day a fast is recommended by some of the ministers
on account of the miserable situation of this town. I cannot reconcile
this measure, and should much rather the people would do justice, and
recommend the payment for the tea instead of losing a day by fasting.

July 18. — Heard of my old friend Capt. Thos. Gerry of Marblehead
being dead.

July 20. — This day is the annuall Commencement Day, but the dis-
tressed situation of the Town and Province prevents it being kept
publick as usuall. I paid a visit to Generall Gage this morning, who
received [me] very friendly.

July 25. — After dinner my brother Jacob set out for Quebeck. [He
had arrived in Boston March 31.]

July 27. — A quarrell happened last night between some of the town's
people and some officers of the Army. Town meeting yesterday. I did
not attend.

Aug. 7. — The Scarborough man of war arrived yesterday from
England ; she left Plymouth the last port. A letter from Sucky
by Mr. Hutt, who is lieutenant of the Scarborough. ... I wrote the
Generall [Gen. Gage, then at Salem] a few lines by Mr. Humphreys.

Aicg. 7, 9, 10, 17. — [Arrival of vessels with troops, and appointments
to civil offices under the late Act of Parliament.]

Aug. 12. — I waited on Generall Gage, Lord Percy, and Genl.
Piggot with Major Clark.

Aug. 21. — A vessell arrived from Falmouth at Marblehead brings
advice of Gov'' Hutchinsons arrivall in England, having a short passage
from hence in Capt. Callahan.

Aug. 22. — A report that Daniel Leonard, Esq., one of the Coun-

88 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

sellers at Taunton, was obliged to leave the town of Taunton. [Names
of persons sworn in as members of the Council.]

Sept. 1. — This morning a letter was picked up wrote by Gen'
Brattle to Gen' Gage, and the Gaul, in consequence sent a party
of two hundred men under the command of Colo. Mattison, and took
the gun powder belonging to ihe Province from the arsenall on
Quarry Hill, and brought it from thence in the transport boats to
the Cassell. This letter has exasperated the country people against
Brattle, so that he now takes refuge in Boston.

Sept. 2. — A great number of people from the country are collected
at Waltham, Watertown, and Cambridge, occasioned as tis reported
from the behaviour of Gen' Brattle. The people seem to be fright-
ened and alraid of its consequence. Tlie Generall has reinforced the
entrance at the Neck. Commissioner Hallovvell has been insulted in
his way through Cambridge ; he fled for shelter to this town. This
evening appeared a flimsy recantation from Gen' Brattle.

Sept. 3. — The people of Cambridge mostly dispersed, and gone home.
The Generall sent four field pieces to Boston Neck.

Sept. 4, Sunday. — Mr. Parker read prayers and preached. Sev-
erall gentlemen of distinction were at our church, Peter Oliver, Esq.,
Chief Justice, Judge Brown of Salem, Jona. Sewall, Esq., Attorney
Generall, W" Pepperell, Esq., and a great many others, too many
to particularize.

Sept. 7. — The Generall has doubled the guai'ds at the Neck, and I
believe designs to fortify it.

Sept. 9. — This morning a soldier of the 65"' regiment, which had
three times deserted, was shot on the Common.

Sept. 10. — The SQ"' regiment came from Salem and encamped on
the west side of Boston Neck.

Sept. 14, Wednesday. — Church convention. I went to Chapell.
Dr. Caner read prayers, and Mr. Sergeant of Cambridge preached a
sensible, short sermon on the occasion. The Generall and his aid de
camps, the Admirall and lady, and the Capt. of the Preston, with the
navy officer of the day, the Commissioners, many of the Council), the
High Sheriff, and many other gentlemen and ladies attended. This
night some of the officers of the navy came and spiked up the guns of
the North Battery, a ridiculous manoeuvre.

Sept. 22. — This day is the anniversary of his Majesty's accession to
the throne. I went to the Councill Chamber witli the Governour,
Admirall, and many other gentlemen to drink the King's health and
many other loyal toasts.

Oct. 11. — A number of deputys met at Concord this day. Capt.
Callahan arrived from London at Salem, severall passengers, among
the rest Geo. Inman.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN KOWE. 89

Oct. 13. — [Troops arrive.]

Oct. 18, — This day an audacious villain attacked Colo. Cleveland
and Capt. Montresor, snapped pistols at both of them, and wounded
Colo. Cleveland with his own hanger.

Oct. 19. — The fellow that attacked Colo. Cleveland and Capt.
Montresor was brought from Cambridge and committed to our gaol.
His name is Dyer.

Oct. 22. — Mr. Mollineux died suddenly this morning.

Oct. 23, Sunday. — There was a vestry after church about altering
the time of morning service and admitting the 59 regiment to come to
church, as also the 5"^ regiment. Present .John Erviug, Dan Hub-
bard, James Boutineau, W" Cotfin, Rufus Green, John Cutler, Henry
Laughton, James Perkins, and myself. [The two regiments attended
the church December 4.]

Oct. 24. — This afternoon Will'" Mollineux was buried ; he has been
famous among the Sons of Liberty ; many things are attributed to him,
and tis believed he was first leader of dirty matters. A great con-
course of people attended his funerall ; his bearers were old Mr. Erving,
Mr. James Bowdoin, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Thos. Boylston, Capt. John Brad-
ford, and Mr. W" Dennie.

Nov. 9. — Our delegates returned to town from Philadelphia.

Nov. 13, Sunday. — Genl. Gage attended at our church this morning.

Dec. 5. — The committee attended me about Brown's cargoe ; after
some conversation we settled the affair.

Dec. 17. — The Asia and Boyne men of wars came this morning up
against the town, and anchored between Long Wharff and Hancocks. I
attended the funerall of Mr. Maturin, the Generalls secretary.

1775. Jan. 18. — This being the Queens birthday, it was celebrated
by drinking their majestys health at the Town House. The picquet
guards from all the regiments fired three vollies. The Castle and Bat-
tery and all the fleet fired a royal salute.

Jan. 20. — I paid a visit to the Gen\ who received me very kindly.

Jan. 21. — An affray happened between the officers and the Town
House watch last evening, which makes great uneasiness in town.

Jan. 24. — A detachment from each regiment went on board Capt.
Thos. Graves, and are bound to Marshfield under the command of
Capt. Ball four of the 4th Regiment, in order to keep the people there
quiet and peaceable. This morning also was a Court of Inquiry about
the matter of the aff'ray between the officers and the watchmen. The
Court adjourned untill to-morrow morning.

Jan. 31. — This day the King's speech is come to town from Marble-
head, in a vessell of Mr. Ornes from Falmouth ; he takes notice of the
behaviour of the Colonies, and particularly this Province ; his remarks
are very just.

12

90 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Feb. 27. — I paid Admirall Graves a visit this forenoon. Colo.
Lessly has been to Salem on an expedition and returned Hgain.

March 6. — This day D'' Warren delivered an oration in D"" Sew-
all's Meeting. I did not hear him.

March 9. — This morning a country fellow who had bought a gun
from one of the soldiers was published by them in the modern taste of
tarring and feathering, and carried in a cart through the main streets of
the town.

March 15. — This day an oration was delivered by a dirty scoundrell
from Mrs. Cordis' balcony, wherein many characters were unfairly rep-
resented and much abused, and mine among the rest.

March 16. — This day is kept by many people as a Publick Fast,
which gives great umbrage to a great many people which do not pay
any regard to it, and I think they are not right, because they say the
order does not originate under the direction of goud government; yet
it can [do] no harm.

March 25. — Afternoon the Generall sent for me to see a letter I
received from Thos. Griffith.

April 16, Sunday. — 1 dined at home with Mrs. Rowe, Geo. In-
man, and Jack Rowe. After dinner I went down Clarks Wharff to
meet Capt. Linzee and Sucky, who arrived from Spithead and Fal-
mouth in the Falcon sloop. I brought them home and their little son
Sam' Hood Linzee.

April 17. — [The Inmans and Linzees guests at dinner.] Our house
full of visitors all day. Gen. Robinson and Major Moncrieff came to
town from New York.

April 18, Tuesday. — I dined at home with Capt. Linzee, Mrs.
Linzee, Mrs. Rowe, and George Inman, and spent the evening at home
with them and Jack Rowe. [Capt. Linzee and Mrs. Linzee are
recorded as dining every day at Rowe's, from their arrival until they
left Boston May 1, except that on April 19th only her name appears.]

April 19. — Last night the Grenadiers and Light Companies belong-
ing to the several regiments in this town were ferry'd over Charles
River, and landed on Phipps farm in Cambridge, from whence they
proceeded on their way to Concord, where they arrived early this day.
On their march they had a skirmish with some country people at
Lexington.

The First Brigade, commanded by Lord Percy, with two pieces of
artillery, set off from this town this morning about 10 of clock, as a
reinforcement, which with the Grenadiers and Light Infantry made
about eighteen hundred men. The people in the country had notice of
this movement ; early in the night alarm guns were fired thro' the coun-
try and expresses sent off to the different towns, so that very early this
morning large numbers from all parts of the country were assembled.

1895.1 DIARY OF JOHN HOWE. 91

A generall battle ensued, which from what I can learn was supported
with great spirit on both sides, and continued untill the King's troops
got back to Charlestown, which was near sunset. Numbers are killed
and wounded on both sides. Capt. Linzee and Capt. Collins in two
small armed vessells were ordered up Charles River to bring off the
troops to Boston, but Lord Percy and Generall Smith thought proper
to encamp on Bunker's Hill this night ; this unhappy affair is a shock-
ing introduction to all the miseries of a Civil War. 1 dined at home
with the Rev*^ Mr. Parker, Mrs. Linzee, Mrs. Rowe, and George In-
man, and spent the evening at home with Mr. Inman, Mrs. Linzee,
Mrs. Rowe, George Inman, and Jack.

April 20. — The Generall sent some more troops to Charlestown last
night and this morning, so that Lord Percy and the troops under his
command returned to town. This night some people, about two hundred,
attacked Capt. Linzee in the armed schooner a little below Cambridge
bridge, and he gave them a warm reception, so that [they] thought
proper to retreat with the loss of some men. I dined at home with
Capt. Collins of the Nautilus, Capt. Linzee, the Rev'' Mr. Parker,
Mr. Inman, Mrs. Rowe, Geo. Inman, and 'spent the evening at home
with Mr. Inman, Capt. Linzee, Mrs. Linzee, Rich*? Green, Mrs. Rowe,
Geo. Inman, and Jack.

Tis said many thousands of country people are at Roxbury and
in the neighbourhood. The people in town are alarmed, and the en-
trenchments on Boston Neck double-guarded. Mrs. Linzee dined at
the Admirall's.

April 2L — The reinforcement that was sent to Charlestown by the
Gen' are returned too, and the 64th Regim' that was at the Castle are
now in Boston Town House. All business at an end, and the commu-
nication stop'd between the town and country. No fresh provision of
any kind brought to this market, so that Boston is in a most distressed
condition. I dined at home with Capt. Linzee, Mrs. Rowe, Mrs.
Linzee, Mr. Inman, and Geo. Inman.

This afternoon severall gentlemen met with the Selectmen to consult
on our situation, and chose a committee to draft a memoriall to
Gen' Gage, viz. : the Selectmen, James Bowdoin, Henderson Inches,
Alex. Hill, Edward Payne, and Jos. Barrell ; they adjourned until to-
morrow ten of clock. I spent the evening at home with Mr. Inman,
Mrs. Linzee, Mrs. Rowe, and Geo. Inman.

April 22. — The same company met and reported, upon which the
inhabitants were called together ; after much debate and some amend-
mpnts they passed two votes, which were presented to the Generall by
the same committee, and on delivery they asked the Generall to grant
their prayer ; he in some measure complyed, but made some other
proposalls.

92 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

I dined at home with Capt. Linzee, Mrs. Linzee, Mr. Inman, Geo.
Inman, and Jack Rowe, also Mrs. Rowe, and spent the evening at home
with the same company. Mr. Nicholls sent Jack home last night, and
broke up his school.

April 23. — The inhabitants met again this morning, and after some
debate they came into the Geuerall's measures, which was to deliver up
their arms to be deposited in the hands of the Selectmen ; and such of
the inhabitants as had a mind to leave the town might go with their
effects. This evening news was brought that Capt. Brown was stop'd
at Charlestown in his way by the country people.

April 24. — I rose very early, and got away Mr. Nun, John Inman,
Mr. Sparks, Thos. Knights, Jos. Taylor, and John Head on board
Mr. Sheriff's sloop for Salem. Between one and two Capt, Brown got
to town. I soon despatched him. This day the inhabitants carried in
their arms; the number 2674.

April 26. — John Inman is come to town, and tells me that my brigg
Sucky sailed from Marblehead yesterday towards night ; in her went
the following passengers [names given]. The Admirall's lady paid
Mrs. Linzee a visit this morning. Mr. Sheriff sent upwards of 40 sheep
into our pasture this day.

April 27. — The General has given leave for all people to leave the
town that chooses with their effects.

April 28. — This day I apply'd to get a pass to go out with my
effects, but could not prevail.

May 1. — Capt. Linzee and Sucky and little Sam Hood "sailed this
morning in the Falcon sloop.

May 2. — The post is in ; bad news from New York. Dr. W™
Samuel Johnson and Col. Wallcot are come to town on special business
with the Generall from the Colony of Connecticut.

May 3. — Mr. Inman went to the lines to see Mrs. Inman ; he had
some conversation with her.

May b. — The inhabitants flocking out of town. Some transports
arrived from Ilallifax with four companies of the 65"^ Regiment.

May 10. — William Vassall and all his family, together witli Tim"
Fitch and family, Thos. Brattle, and many others went off this
morning.

May 13. — I paid a visit to Genl. Robertson, where I found Colo.
Abercrorabie, Major Goldthwait, and Docf Mullet.

May 17. — [Fire broke out in the barracks of the 65"^ regiment on
Treat's wharf, destroying 33 stores on Dock Square.]

May 21. — A party was sent under the command of Mr. Innis of the
43** to Grape Island to bring off some cattle and hay ; the country peo-
ple being very numerous kept a brisk fire on them, so that they
were obliged to return without effecting their design. One marine

1895.]

DIARY OF JOHN HOWE. 93

wounded. Two transports from Deptford, with recruits, and one with
marines from Plymouth, arrived this day.

May 24. — [Arrival of troops.]

May 25. — The Cerberus man of warr, Capt. Chad, arrived from
Spithead ; in this ship the Geueralls Burgoyne, How, and Clynton
came passengers.

3fay 28. — A continual firing all night on Norten's [Noddle's] Island
between the Provincialls and marines and sailors. Severall marines and
sailors killed and wounded, and tis supposed the Provincials lost many.

May 29. — Twenty sheep and lambs have been killed this night in
my pasture.

May 30. — Last night the country people burnt one house and sev-
eral barns on Norten's [Noddle's] Island, and the dwelling house and
store this forenoon. Our two girls Peggy and Becky went away this
day.

[Vol. XII. of the Diary, pp. 2007-2077, is missing, and inside the
cover of Vol. XIII. is written "from June to December is mislaid or
taken away out of my store."]

Dec. 25, Christmas Day. — Mr. Walter read prayers, and Mr.
Parker preached a very good sermon from the 2*^ chap. St. Luke's
Gospell & 14"^ verse. The money gathered for the use of the poor
of this church amounted to sixty dollars.

Dec. 27. — I dined at home with Capt. Linzee, Mrs. Linzee, little
Saml. Hood Linzee, who is two years old this day.

Dec. 30. — [Arrival of ships with troops.] The Scarborough, Capt.
Barclay, and severall transports sailed to-day on a secret expedition.

Dec. 31. — Thus endeth the year 1775, a most fatal year for this
part of America. The Niger man of war, Capt. Talbot, is arrived
in Nantasket Road, and has brought the King's speech, dated the
26 October.

1776. Jan. 7, Sunday. — Capt. Linzee behaved very cruelly to me;
I shall not forget it.^ [Rowe and Linzee were, however, much together
at Rowe's and Inman's till Capt. Linzee sailed.]

Jan. 12. — I paid Admiral Shouldham a visit this morning, who is a
genteel man, and received me politely.

Jan. 14. — I staid at home and dined at home with Capt. Linzee,
Mrs. Linzee, Mr. Inman, Mrs. Inman, Geo. Inman, Mrs. Rowe, and Jack
Rowe.

Jan. 18. — Mrs. Linzee and George paid us a visit, and took their
leave, perhaps forever. [War shi[) arrived.]

Jan. 20. — This day the Falcon, Capt. Linzee, sailed. He took
with him Mrs. Linzee, little Sam, and Hannah. I sincerely wish their
prosperity and happiness. With the Falcon sailed the Mercury ; in her

^ Pages of the Diary covering Jan. 8, 9, 15, and 16, torn out.

94 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOEICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

General Clynton is passenger, and Mr. Reeves, the General's Secre-
tary. Severall transports went with them, with the Light Infantry of
the 4"^ and 44"^ Regiments ; they are gone on some expedition to the
southward.

Jan. 21. — Some good person put in Mr. Parker's hands a quantity
of provisions, wood, and coals, to be distributed for the poor of Trinity
Church.

Jan. 24. — Its generally believed that Genl. Carlton has given
Montgomery and Arnold a very severe drubbing at Quebec.

Jan. 25. — Two vessels are said to be taken this day in our bay,
and carried into Plymouth.

Feb. 1. — [Sir W" Pepperell and family sailed.]

Feb. 2. — [Schooner privateer Capt. Manly fitted out at Plymouth
destroyed.]

Feb. 4. — Capt. George Montagu of the Tewey man of war sent in
a sloop from Damariscotta laden with wood for Marblehead ; very
acceptable.

Feb. 5. — The troops at Charlestown got four cattell this morning,
which were sent out as tis supposed for a decoy ; they lost one man,
and had another very much wounded. Sir Ht;nry Callder commanded.

Feb. 8. — [Dined at Capt. Haskins's with other guests on "a fine
hard Q"" of veal."]

Feb. 9. — Tis reported that Capt. Banks has hoisted his broad pen-
dant on board the Renown man of war.

Feb. 11. — Some plan for an expedition was projected last night; tis
supposed an alteration of the weather put a stop to it.

Feh.\\:. — This morning a party of the King's troops burnt the
houses on Dorchester Neck, and brought off seven prisoners.

Feb. 24. — Last evening the Wonder of "Wonders was acted, and
generally approved of. I waited on Gen. Howe this morning about
Spooner and Church's affairs.

March 1. — Blows fresh. My brigg Sucky went down in order to
proceed to Oporto.

March 3. — This night the people from the Battery at Phipps farm
threw many shells into town, which put the inhabitants into great
fear ; and they have done damage to many houses, ])articularly Sher-
burn Fitch's, George Erving's, and Courtney's the tailor.

March 4, Monday. — I dined at home with Rev** Mr. Walter and
Mrs. Rowe. All the preceding night the town has been fired at by the
people without from every quarter. I don't hear of much damage being
done. The guns from Cobble Ilill on Charlestown side have thrown
these shot the farthest into town ; one of them struck Wheatley's in
King's Street. I spent the evening at home with Rich. Green and
JMrs. Rowe and Jack Rowe.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 95

March 5. — This morning we perceived a battery erected on the
hill on Dorchester Neck. This has alarmed us very much. About 12
the Geuerall sent off six regiments; perhaps this day or tomorrow de-
termines the fate of this truly distressed place. All night both sides
kept a continuall fire. Six men of the 22"^ are wounded in a house at
the South End ; one boy lost his leg. A very severe storm ; it blew
down my rail fences, both sides the front of the house.

Mar. 6. — This morning the country people have thrown a strong
work on another place on the Neck at Dorchester Neck. Gen'l Howe
has ordered the troops ashore again, and tis now out of doubt that Gen.
Howe will leave this town with his troops, &c., which has put the in-
habitants of this town into great disorder, confusion, and much dis-
tress. The firing has ceased this day.

Mar. 7. — The troops and inhabitants very busy in getting all the
goods and effects on board the shipping in the harbour ; tis impossible
to describe the distresses of this unfortunate town. I dined and spent
the evening at home with my dear Mrs. Rowe, Mr. Inman, and Jack
Rowe. Gen' Robinson paid me a visit.

3Iar. 8. — My situation has almost distracted me. John Inman,
Archy McNeil, and Duncan are determined to leave me. God send me
comfort in my old age. I try to do what business I can, but am dis-
appointed, and nothing but cruelty and ingratitude falls to my lot. I
spent the day with my dear Mrs. Rowe, Richard Green, and John
Haskins.

March 9. — I dined at home with the Rev*^ Mr. Parker, Mrs. Rowe,
and Jack, and spent the evening at the Possee. This day Gen* Rob-
inson pressed the ship Minerva into the service; nothing but hurry
and confusion, every person striving to get out of this place. A great
deal of firing on both sides this night.

March 10, Sunday. — Capt. Dawson is returned with two vessells ; he
has had a severe brush with four privateers. A proclamation came out
from Gen' How this day, a very severe one on some people. John
Inman went on board this day with his wife ; he has in his possession
three watches of mine — sundry pieces of checks which was to be
made into shirts. Jos. Goldthwait [and] Mrs. Winslow went on board
this day ; he has carried off Capt. Linzee's horse without paying for
him.

March 11. — This morning I rose very early and very luckily went
to my warehouse ; when I came there I found Mr. Crean Brush with
an order and party from the Gen'l, who were just going to break open
the warehouse, which I prevented by sending for the keys, and opening
the doors. They took from me to the value of twenty two hundred
and sixty pounds sterling, according to the best calculation I could make,
in linneus, checks, cloths, and woollens. This p^rty behaved very inso-

96 MASSACHUSETTS HISTOKICAL SOCIETY. [Mak.

lently and with great rapacity, and I ana very well convinced exceeding
their orders to a great degree. They stole many things and plundered
my store. Words cannot describe it. This party consisted of Mr.
Blasswitch, who was one of the Canceaux people, Mr. Brush, the pro-
vost, Mr. Cunningham, a refugee, Mr. Welch the provost deputy, a
man named Hill, and about fifteen soUiers, with others. I remained all
day in the store, but could not hinder their destruction of my goods.
This day I got a piece of bread and one draft of flip. I spent the even-
ing at home with Mr. Parker, Rich'f Green, Mr. Warner of Ports-
mouth, who assisted me very much, with Mrs. Rowe and Jack Rowe.
They are making the utmost speed to get away, and carrying ammu-
nition, cannon, and everything they can [carry] away, taking all things
they meet with, never asking who is owner or whose property, making
havoc in every house and destruction of all kinds of furniture. There
never was such destruction and outrage committed any day before this.
Many other people have suffered the same fate as me, particularly Mr.
Sam' Austin, Mr. John Scolly, Cap' Partridge, Capt. Dashwood, Mr.
Cyrus Baldwin, the Widow Newman.

Mar. 12. — A continual fire from both sides this night. They are
hurrying off all their provisions and destroying and mangling all navi-
gation ; also large quantitys of salt and otlier things they heave into the
sea and scuttle the stores. The inhabitants are greatly terrified and
alarmed for fear of greater evils when the troops leave this distressed
place. I got Crean Brush receipt for the goods taken from me, but
don't expect much good from it, the severall gentlemen say they will be
my friend in this affair.

March 13. — I have staid at home most part of this day. The con-
fusion still continues, and plundering of houses, &c., increasing. Gen'
Robinson paid me a visit and eat a morsell of provisions, together with
Rich** Green, Mrs. Rowe, and Jack Rowe. The sailors from the ships
have broke open my stores on my wharff and plundered them; this
was done at noon this day. This morning a house was burnt at the
North End, whether set on fire on purpose or from accident seems
uncertain. A considerable number of cannon fired in the night from
both sides. The country people throwing up more entrenchments, &c.,
on Dorchester Neck.

March 14. — This night much damage has been done to many houses
and stores in this town, and many valuable articles stolen and destroyed.
Stole out of W"" Perry's store a quantity of tea, rum, and sugar, to the
value of £120 sterling. Mr. Sam- Quincy's house broke and great
destruction, the Rev*^ Mr. Walter's, also the Rev** Dr. Caiier's and many
others.

Mar. 15. — This night my store on the Long Wharff broke open
and almost a hhd. of su<rar and a hoirshead of ware stole. Twas ex-

Ib95.] DIARY OF JOHN liOWE. 97

pected the troops would have embarked this night, but they still remain
in town; I dined at home with Gen' Robertson, Colo. Clark, Rich'^
Green, an officer of the 5'" reg\ Mrs. Rowe, and Jack Rowe ; after din-
ner. Cap' Haskins gave me notice that several officers were in Mrs.
Hooper's house, committing violence and breaking everything left ; they
broke a looking glass over the chimney which cost twenty guineas
— such barbarous treatment is too much for the most patient man to
bear. I spent the evening at home with Rich. Green, Mrs. Rowe, and
Jack Rowe.

Mar. 16. — The troops are getting everything in order to depart.
My store on Long Wharff broke open again this night ; the behaviour of
the soldiers is too bad, tis almost impossible to believe it. Two officers
of the b^^ came to me for wine ; they wanted to be trusted ; I refused
them ; since I have heard nothing, only they damned me and swore they
would take it by force ; one of them named Russell of the 5'^ Regiment,
the other I don't know.

Mar. 17, Sunday. — St. Patrick's day. The Provincials are throw-
ing up a battery on Nook Hill on Dorchester Neck, which has occa-
sioned much firing this night. This morning the troops evacuated the
town, and went on board the transports at and about Loug Whartf ;
they sailed and got most part of them into King Road. About noon
Gen' Putnam and some troops came into town to the great joy of the
inhabitants that remained behind. I dined at home with Mr. Inman,
Mrs. Inman, Mr. Warner, Mrs. Rowe, and Jack Rowe.

March IS. — Major Chester and Capt. Huntington lodged at our
house. The town very quiet this night. Severall of my friends came
to see me from the country.

3Iar. 19. — Numbers of people belonging to Boston are daily com-
ing in. Gen'l Washington and his retinue were in town yesterday. I
did not hear of it; otherways should have paid my respects and waited
on him. This afternoon the King's troops burnt the Block house at the
Cassell and the Continental troops are throwing up a battery on Fort
Hill ; most all the ships are gone from King Road into Nantasket Road.

Mar. 20. — They burnt the barracks and houses at the Cassell this
afternoon and destroyed everything they could on the island and blew
up the fortifications all around it.

Mar. 22. — I dined at home with Generall Putnam, Generall
Greene, Mr. Inman, Mrs. Inman, Mrs. Forbes, Mrs. Rowe, and Jack.
After dinner Colo. Gridly, Mr. Chase, both Mr. Webbs, and severall
other officers came to the house.

March 23. — I dined at Mr. Inman's with him, Mrs. Inman, Genl.
Green, Mrs. Green, Tnthill Hubbard, Mrs. Forbes, Mr. Lowell (?)
Mrs. Rowe, and Capt. Gilbert Speakman. Some fire below Nantasket
Road ; I take it to be a transport set on fire to destroy her.

13

98 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Mar. 24, Sunday afternoon. — I went to church. Mr. Parker read
prayers and preached from the 22'' chap, by St. Matthew & 37 and 38
verses. This was a very good sermon, and considering the distressing
time a good many people at church. A transport was burnt last night
in the Lighthouse channel.

Mar. 25. — The fleet still in Na,ntasket Road. A great many of
the ships in Nantasket sailed this afternoon.

Mar. 26. — I waited on Gen' Greene this morning, with Mr. Baker,
about some iron on my wharff. After dinner I went with Mr. Parker
and paid my respects to Generall Washington, who received us very
politely.

Mar. 27. — This afternoon all the fleet sailed from Nantasket Road
but three which is supposed to be men of warr.

3Iar. 28. — This day the General Court made a handsome enter-
tainment at Capt. Marston's, that now lives in Colo. Ingersoll's house,
for Gen' Washington and the other generalls of the United Colonies,
and the Rev'* Dr. Ellliot preached at Dr. Chauucy's Meeting a sermon
on the occasion, giving a history of what has hapned in town during
the siege. I dined with twenty four gentlemen at Waterman's tavern
in Roxbury, all Free Masons, by invitation.

March 29. — A town meeting this day at Dr. Chauncy's IMeeting-
house. The old ofiicers of the town were chose. I dined at home
with Rich. Green, Mrs. Rowe, and Jack, and spent the evening at
home with Rich*^ Green, Mr. Parker, Mr. Warner, Mrs. Rowe, and
Jack Rowe.

March ^0. — I lent Mr. Parker my mare to go to Cambridge this
morning.

March 31, Sunday. — I gave Gen' Washington an invitation to dine,
who returned me a very polite answer. Mr. Parker preached at
Trinity in the morning, at Chaple this afternoon. Severall regiments
under orders to march to the southward from Prospect and Winter
Hills.

Apr. 4. — -A town meeting this day at Dr. Chauncy's Meeting
House, — Mr. Kent, moderator. Mr. Parker slept in his house this
night. He gives me £26.13.4 per annum.

Apr. 5, Good Friday. — Gen' Washington and Lady and family set
out yesterday ; also Gen' Gates to the southward. News of Jolly Allen
being ashore at Cape Cod, and twenty six other passengers.

/Ipr. 6. — Capt. Manly is come to town, and brings the account of his
taking Crean Brush, Wm. Jackson, and seventy other passengers in
a brijrg bound with the fleet. This vessel), tis said, has twenty five
thousand pound sterling on board in English goods and other merchan-
dise ; among the prisoners is a serjeant and 12 men of the King's
troops.

1895.] DIAEY OF JOHN ROWE. 99

Apr. 7, Sunday. — Mrs. Hooper came to town. She is in a most
pitifull, distressed situation. The proprietors of Trinity Church met
after church ; present, twelve persons.

Apr. 8. — I attended the church meeting this morning, and was
chose warden with Dan' Hubbard. Afternoon I went by invitation of
Brother Webb to attend the fuuerall of the remains of Dr. Warren, and
went accordingly to the Councill Chamber with a design to attend and
walk in procession with the lodges under my jurisdiction, with our
proper Jewells and cloathing, but to my great mortification was very
much insulted by some furious, hot persons — without the least provo-
cation ; one of brethren thought it most prudent for me to retii'e. I
accordingly did so ; this has caused some uneasy reflections in my mind,
as I am not conscious to myself of doing anything prejudicial to the
cause of America either by will, word, or deed. The corps of Dr.
Warren was carried into Chapell. Dr. Cooper prayed and Mr. Perez
Morton delivered an oration on the occasion. Dr. Warren's bearers
were Genl. Ward, Genl. Fry, Col. Gridly, D' Morgan, Mr. Moses
Gill, and Mr. John Scolly. There was a handsome procession of the
craft, with two companys of soldiers. There is a confirmation of Crean
Brush and Wm. Jackson being taken, and also my negro fellow Adam.

Apr. 10. — I attended the proprietors of Trinity Church this morn-
ing on Mr. Parker's affairs. I see Mr. Jos. Wentworth, and had some
conversation with him about Capt. Manley's capture. My worthy
friend Benj. Green was taken out of this troublesome world this
afternoon.

April 11. — This day Crean Brush and W'" Jackson were sent to
Watertown under guard.

Apr. 12. — This morning came an account of Brymers brigg being
taken in the bay by some whale boats under the command of Capt.
Thatcher and carried into Hingham. Tis said the vessell taken by
Thatcher is very valuable, and belongs to Bristol. Crean Brush and
Wm. Jackson are brought to Boston.

April 13. — Martin Brimmer and Mr. Dalton of Newberry Port paid
us a visit.

April 14, Sunday. — I staid at home all day, our church shut up.
Mr. Parker gone to Newberry Port, and Mr. Bass expected to town,
who disappointed him, I dined at home with Mr. Tristram Dalton, Mr.
Warner, Mrs. Rowe, and Jack Rowe, and spent the evening at home
with Mr. Inman, Mrs. Inman, Mrs. Rowe, Rich'' Green, Capt.
Haskins, Mr. Warner, and Jack Rowe.

April 17. — Severall people taken up this day, and carried to gaol.
Dr. Whitworth, his son, W™ Perry, one Edwards, apd others.

April 1 8. — This morning the persons that were taken up were car-
ried over to Dorchester and there examined by a court appointed by

100 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

the GeDerall Court for that purpose ; they examined W" Perry and
Edwards, and ordered them to gaol ; the rest they kept all night
there.

April 19. — Dr. Whitworth examined this day and admitted to bail.

Mai/ 1. — My dear little fellow and kinsman Jack Rowe taken very
ill.

May 3. — Dr. Whitworth and son committed to close gaol.

May 4. — Jack very ill. Dr. Lloyd is afraid of him. The Justices
adjourned until Wednesday week.

May 7. — Jack growing better, and I hope out of danger. Several!
parties have been for severall days on Noddle's Island, throwing up
breastworks, &c., for a fort.

May 8. — This morning Mr. Hammond's plough began to plough up
the pasture. Two briggs, one from Cork, the other from the West-
ern Islands, taken by Capt. Tucker in Manley's schooner, and carried
into Lynn.

May 15. — [Justices met.]

May 17. — This is a Fast Day, appointed by the Continental! Congress
throughout the Colonies. [Large British ship loaded with gunpowder
and arms brought in, being taken by Capt. Mugford in a schooner from
Beverly.]

May 21. — Bad news from Quebec. [Capt. Mugford attacked in
Nantasket Road by boats from a man of warr, and killed.]

May 22. — The army from Quebec is retired from before it; the
account imperfect.

May 23, 24, 27, 28. — [Town meetings, those on 23 and 24"' to
choose representatives.]

June 2 & 4. — [Dr. Church came to town and was confined.]

June 8, 9. — [Captures by privateers of provisions, and 95 soldiers,
mostly Highlanders.]

June 11. — A flag of truce went from town on board the Renown,
Mr. White of Marblehead and Mr. Martin Brimmer. Comm. Banks
treated them very politely.

June 12. — A hand bill is sent about containing interesting [news]
from the Continental! Army in Canada.

June 14. — An expedition went forward against the ships in Nan-
tasket Road, Three separate bodies, one on Long Island, one on
Pedricks [Petticks] Island, and another on Nantasket; they have
driven the ships from Nantasket Road. Comm. Banks, its said, burnt
the house on Georges Island and the house on the Light House
Island.

June 15. — I h^ve been very busy all this morning in finding out some
persons that have wickedly and maliciously spread a false report about
me, and have had them before Justice Hill, and have got the first of

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 101

them to acknowledge it to be a lye, and she hath signed a declaration
which I hope will satisfy and clear my innocence.

June 17, 18. — [British ships with Highlanders taken by privateers.]

June 22. — The Contiuentall affairs appear in Canada very un-
favourable.

June ''lZ-11, 29. — [Fleets of British ships in the bay, about four
leagues from the Light House.]

June 25. — The Highland officers and soldiers are sent out of town
to Mendon, Reading, and Lunenburg.

Julij 7. — [Captures by privateers, one of a vessel laden with 419
hogsheads of rum.]

July \\. — Young Shaw brought ten Indians from the Mirimiche
and St. John's tribe ; they are come to negotiate some business with the
■ General Court, and are the headmen of their tribes. A report in town
that Lord Howe has been spoke with ; tis said his designs are to
settle the present unhappy disputes that subsist between G. Britain
and the United Colonies.

July 13, Saturday. — I attended the gentlemen sufferers by Crean
Brush. Capt. Benj. Phillips was taken up this day. Tis said by Mr.
Murapford, the post, that Independence was declared the 4"^ instant at
Philadelphia. A generall inoculation in this town for the small pox.

July 17. — There is an account from New York of two men of war
and some tender got up beyond the city, — the Phoenix, Capt. Parker,
and the Rose, Capt Wallace.

July 18, Thursday. — This day Independency was declared in Bos-
ton from the balcony of the Council Chamber ; a great confusion in
town.

July 20. — This morning advertisements were put up for the inhabi-
tants to meet on Monday next at ten in the morning in the Common.

Jidy 21, Sunday. — I went to church this morning. Mr. Parker
omitted the petitions in the Liturgy for the King and royal family,
thinking it prudent.

July 22-27. — [Visit, with Rev. Mr. Parker as companion, to Ports-
mouth, N. H., on business, — the division of some goods, perhaps
brought in by a privateer, — dining with old Judge Parker and Mr. Jos.
Wentworth in that town, and with Tristram Dalton at " Newberry
Old Town." " We were smoaked at Charlestown, but passed at New-
berry bridge."]

July 30. — [Capture of the ship Queen of England laden with pro-
visions for General Howe's army, the ship belonging to Rowe's friend
Jos. Squires of Plymouth.]

August 1. — This day is appointed by the Congress as a fast to be
observed throughout the Colonies. I went to church this morning.
Mr. Pai'ker preached.

102 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

jiug. 3. — [A ship captured by privateers, laden with 400 hogsheads
of sugar.]

^iig, 5. — Richard Green set out this morning for Brookfield for 4
months exile, James Perkins for 4 months to Medfield, Nat. Gary do. to
Dedham, John Timmins and Thos. Amory two months to AYaltham,
William Perry 4 months to Medfield, and Nat. Briuly do. to
Framingham.

Auff. 9. — [Captures by privateers.]

Aug. 11, Sunday. — After service Mr. Parker read the proclama-
tion of Independence.

Aug. 14. — This day the Sons of Liberty kept the remembrance of
it at John Marston's in King Street.

Aug. 15. — I dined at home with Genl. Lincoln, Elbridge Gerry,
Esq., one of the delegates to the Congress, and Mrs. Rowe, and spent
the evening at home with her.

Aug. 18, 19. — [Journey to Portsmouth for a law-suit, returning
August 25. At Hampton " had the pleasure of the company of Mr.
Ware, President of the Councill, who is a man of understanding."]

Aug. 2L — This morning our tryall came on. After dinner I at-
tended the court. Our attorney, Mr. Loel [John Lowell], deserves
praise, and is a gentleman of merit, and so is Mr Pickering [John Pick-
ering, of Portsmouth], who pleaded as advocate for the captors and
against us. They had not time to finish, and adjourned untill the morn-
ing. I spent the evening at Tilton's with my friends the other claim-
ants, Sanil. Austin, Robt. Ruggles, Nat. Barrat, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Cyrus
Baldwin, Colo. Leveret, his son, and a young gentleman sent by our
councill with the papers.

Aug. 22. — This morning our tryall came on again. The cause was
given to the jury by Dr. Bracket, who is Judge of Admiralty. I dined
at my worthy friend Mark Wentworth's, with him and his lady, my
worthy friends Colo. Atkinson and Jonathan Warner, Esq., and Mr.
King, a very sensible gentleman. This afternoon the jury brought in
their verdict in our favour, viz., that the capture was not within the Act,
and that the claimants ought to have their goods restored. This verdict
is disliked by Capt. Manly, &c., and therefore he intends to move for
an appeall. I spent the evening at Tilltons with Mr. Loell and our
friends the claimants.

Aug. 23. — I with the rest of the claimants have tryed to settle this
affair with the agent and Capt. IManly, but to no purpose. I slept at
old Colo. Warner's last night and this, and had a long conversation
with him and his lady, who I found to be a very sensible old
gentleman.

Aug. 2(5. — Yesterday was our wedding day. We have been married
thirty three years.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 103

Aug. 28. — Mr. Saml. Adams and Colo. Whipple of Portsmouth came
to town from Philadelphia this morning. The claimants met this
forenoon ; they chose a committee to report their cause to Saml. Adams,
Esq., — myself, Mr. Saml. Austin, Capt. Saml. Partridge.

Aug. 31. — The post says that Generall Howe has landed some of his
troops on Long Island near Flat Bush, and that some skirmishes hud
taken place.

Sept. 5. — I attended the Court of Admiralty in Boston, Judge
Pickering. The Rev*^ Mr. Payson paid me a visit. Severall skirmishes
between the two armies at Long Island. Lord Sterling and Generall
Sullivan are missing.

Sept. 7. — Tis said the Continentall troops have left Long Island.

Sept. 8, Sunday. — After church Colo. Langdon of Portsmouth
paid me a visit. I spent the evening at home with Mr. Inman, Mrs.
Inman, Mr. [Tristram] Dalton, and Mrs. Rowe. Several West India
men carried into Providence by the Continental vessels.

Sept. 10. — I dined at Deacon Jones the Coffee House on turtle.
Present Genl. Lincoln, Mr. Mercer [of New York], Mr. James Otis,
Mr. Inman, myself, Dan! Johnnot, Geo. Johnnot, Jona. Amory, Henry
Bromfield, his son, Colo. Barber, his son, Thos. Russell, young Will-
iams, Capt. Job Prince, his son, Colo. Moore, Mr. Loell [Lowell],
Mr. Sara. Brick, Mr. Hammat, Mr. Ross of Jamaica, Mr. Grant of the
Grenady (?), Mr. Grant of Antigua, Mr. Cambell, Capt. Barthlet, Colo.
Jackson, Mr. Warner, Jos. Laughton, W™ Vans, John Gushing, Benj.
Andrews, Henderson Inches, Hennan Brimmer, Martin Brimmer, And.
Brimmer, Capt. John Bradford, Mr. Hastings, Capt. Thompson, Capt.
White of Marblehead, Dr. Joseph Gardner, Major Ward, Major
Wads worth, Wm, Davis, Edward Davis, Mr. Elnathan Jones, Mr.
Plat, Mr. Eben"" Storer, Capt. Pascall Smith, Mr. Ezekiel Price, Mr.
Jos. Barrell, Mr. Burges, Mr. Lindall Pitts, and Jos. Carnes. We
were very joyfull.

Sept. 14. — Tis said by the post, Mr. Mumpford, that the Conti-
nentalls have appointed three gentlemen from their body to hold con-
ferences with Lord Howe and his brother Generall Howe, viz. : Benj.
Franklynn, Esq., Philadelphia, Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina, and
Mr. John Adams of Massachusetts Bay in New England, Braintree.

Sept. 17. — Yesterday the Independent Company made their appear-
ance in the Common under the command of Colo. Jackson, and were
reviewed by some of the Councill and Generall Ward and a number of
other gentlemen.

Sept. 20, Friday. — The Continentall troops evacuated New York on
Sunday last.

Sept. 21. — The post confirms the account of the army's evacuating
the city of New York.

104 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Sept. 2A. — Went to Watertown with Capt. Joseph Cunningham,
Mr. Parker and Mr. Warner, I had some business with the Councill.
I dined at Mrs. Coolidge's with twelve gentlemen, Genl. Lincoln [and
others]. Very bad news from Gen. Washington. The Connecticut
militia behaved very badly and much to their discredit in an action that
happened at Harlem on New York,^the 16"^ instant.

Sept. 26. — liobt. Temple is come to town ; by him we hear from
Geo. Inman and Capt. Linzee and Mrs. Linzee, the first at New York,
the latter at Brunswick, Cape Fear River.

Sept. 29. — People from New York bring accounts of one third part
of that city being destroyed by fire on Fryday night, the 20"^ Septem-
ber ; 'tis not yet ascertained how it happened.

Oct. 4, 7, 13, 16. — [Captured vessels brought into Salem and New
York.]

Oct. 13. — I paid Genl. Ward a visit this morning, and had an hour's
conversation with him.

Oct. 24. — Tis said the King's troops have landed at Frog's [Throg's]
Point, near Westchester.

JVov. 4. — [A very valuable prize brought in.]

Nov. 7. — Mr. John Dean Whitworth came to town from the camp;
he was taken prisoner near White Plains under the command of Major
Rogers.

Nov. 17. — Turner came from Portsmouth and brought three waggon
load of goods with him.

[Vol. XIV. of the Diary, pp. 2258-2400, from Nov. 19, 1776, to
Aug. 12, 1778, is missing.]

1778. August 13. — An English fleet appeared oflF Rhode Island.
The French Admiral Count d'Estaing is gone in quest of them ; this
happened on Tuesday.

AiirjHst 14. — Mr. Payson [Rev. Phillips Payson of Chelsea] brought
Jack home this morning. A sad accident happened unto him: some
boys were out a shooting ; one of them named Barthlet's gun went off
accidentally, and shot Jack through his coat and lodged at least thirty
shot in his right arm ; tis a great mercy he escaped with life.

August 15. — Great damages in the country and town by the late
storm, especially to the corn, fruit, and apples. Count d'Estaing's fleet
not returned this morning.

Aug. 20. — This day Count d'Estaing's fleet returned to their station
off Newport ; tis said they have taken a friggate and a bomb ketch.

Aug. 22. — A French man of war of 74 guns is got into Nantasket,
having had a brush with an English 64 gun ship. The French captain
is wounded.

Aug. 24. — An account of Count d'Estaing's fleet leaving Newport
harbour bound to Boston on Saturday last.

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 105

Aug. 26. — Gen' Hancock returned.

Aug. 28. — This morning the French fleet came to an anchor in
Nantasket Road, some of them dismasted.

Aug. 29. — Some of d'Estaing's fleet came up into Boston harbour.

Aug. 30, Sunday. — The Count d'Estaing came with his retinue on
shore yesterday, and dined with Genl. Hancock. Two frigates were
seen iu our bay this afternoon, supposed to be English.

Aug. SI. — An express from Plymouth this morning giving an
account of a fleet of twenty sail in our bay this morning. [Arrival of
prizes ; Capt. Skimmer killed in an engagement with a letter of marque
brig.]

Sept. 1. — The fleet appearing again in our bay has alarmed the
people, that the whole of the militia are ordered under arms. Gen.
Sullivan and his whole army have retired from Rhode Island, having
had a smart engagement with the British troops there under the com-
mand of Gen' Piggot.

Sept. 2. — Severall people taken up and put on board the prize ship,
particularly Mr. Shirley and Capt. Callahan. The militia under arms
again twice this day, and a constant guard kept up. I met the Pro-
prietors of Point Shirly this day. The French Admirall wants to be
accommodated with the houses for an hospital for his people, upwards
of 700 being sick of the scurvy.

Sept. 5. — Colo. Crafts came to town with his regiment this morning,
"We met them on the road [to Dedliam].

Sept. 7. — Jack Rowe went to Chelsea this morning. The English
have sent a party to [New] Bedford, and burnt it on Saturday night,
together with the shipping and stores in that harbor.

Sept. 10. — I dined at home with the Hon''''' Jery Powell, Presi-
dent of our Councill, and Mrs. Rowe.

Sept. 11. — High training this day. Gen. Hancock treated the
Council and all his officers, many other gentlemen, at Capt. Marston's.
The dinner was very clever. I dined there, and spent the evening at
home with Capt. Haskins and Mrs. Rowe.

Sept. 13, Sunday. — The Rev. Dr. Elliot dyed this morning, much
lamented.

Sept. 20, Sunday. — Mr. Parker preached a very serious and good
sermon ; he mentioned the character of that good and worthy man,
the Rev. Dr. Elliot.

Sept. 22. — We have heard this day from George [Inman] and Sucky
[Mrs. Linzee], who are well at New York.

Sept. 23. — Many prizes have arrived yesterday and this day in this
harbour. The Count d'Estaing with his officers, &c., made a grand
appearance yesterday ; they paid a visit to the Generall Court, and were
escorted by a committee of both Houses on their landing at the Long
Wharff. 14

106 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

Sept. 25. — The Count d'Estaing dined with the Councill and House
this day.

Sept. 26. — Count d'Estaing dined with Genl. Heath this day.

Oct. 6. — I dined at home with the Chevalier De Borda, Monsieur
Gondelose (?) Admiral's Secretary, Mr. Holker, Colo. Badcock, and
Mrs. Rowe, We have tryed our new horses ; they prove very well.

Oct. 20. — Colo. Revere brought me a letter from Saml. Gould, who
is arrived in a cartell from New York. This morning my negro Mar-
cellus made his appearance in our kitchen, and a very frightfull one it
was. [The entry for Nov. 1, 1778, is, "My negro man Marcellus
died this day."]

Oct. 22. — Mr. Sampson Salter Blowers sent to gaol this afternoon ;
Mr. Francis Johnnot sent yesterday.

Oct. 24. — I dined at Mr. Holker's, with him, Capt. Landy of the
Alliance, Capt. IngersoU of the Dean, Colo. Adam Badcock, Mr.
Thomas Cushiiig, Mr. Thomas Cushing, jun., General Warren, and
Mr. Martin Brimmer. This afternoon Mr Inman, Mrs Inman, and
Mr. Haskins set out for Providence.

Oct. 29. — Genl. Hancock invited all the gentlemen of the French
fleet to a grand ball at Concert Hall ; many gentlemen and ladies of the
town were there, and made a good appearance.

Oct. 30. — The Council with a number of other gentlemen dined on
board the Languedock, Count d'Estaing.

Nov. 5. — The Count d'Estaing sailed yesterday from the port. This
evening came news that the Somerset man of warr was cast away on
the back of Cape Cod.

Nov. 6. — General Gates came to town this day from Hartford.

Nov. 8. — I went to pay my compliments to Genl. Gates this day.

Nov. 12. — A gentleman and an Indian came from Qnebeck tli rough
the Eastern country by land, and brought me a letter from my brother
Jacob.

Nov. 14. — A great number of the Somerset's men are come to town
from Cape Cod.

Nov. 17. — Town meeting this day about Capt. Pepper and young
Francis Johnnot.

Nov. 29. — A seaman by name Herring belonging to Chagford in
England came to our house and told me many things about my rela-
tions and friends there, which pleased me.

Dec. 5. — Mr. Sandford from Bedford brings us the bad news of
our brigg Peace and Harmony, Capt. Lawrence, being taken, and by
chance is got into Bedford.

Dec. 9. — Our new brigg got ashore and overset coming round from
Portsmouth on the Devil's Back.

Dec. 11. — I dined at home, with Jery Powell, President of the

1895.] DIARY OF JOHN ROWE. 107

Council, Henry Gardner, Esq., Treasurer, Thos. Gushing, Esq., Judge
of Probate, the Revei'end Mr. Parker, and Mrs. Rowe.

Dec. 19. — A notification appeared yesterday at the Town House
threatening some people which bought flour at vendue.

Dec. 25, Christmas day. — The coldest morning as by the thermom-
eter for forty years; a thin congregation.

Dec. 31. — The General Arnold privateer is lost in the late storm at
Plymouth, and upwards of eighty of the crew perished ; also the Gen.
Stark's privateer at Nantucket, and upwards of twenty of their crew
perished.

1779. Jan. 10. — A very melancholly affair happened last evening.
Mr. Benj. Andrews, a worthy good man, shot himself by mere accident.^

Jan. 13. — A town meeting this morning. The inhabitants of this
town are in great distress for want of corn, flour, &c. — A committee
of nine were chosen to consult the best methods to be taken for their
immediate relief [names of committee given, including Rowe].

Jan. 16. — Town meeting again this morning. A committee of
eighteen [Rowe and others] were chosen to provide corn, flour, &c.,
for the poor and distressed inhabitants of this town. We met this
afternoon, and adjourned untiil Monday 11 of clock.

Jan. 20. — I attended town meeting this morning. The calling in
two emissions of money occasions much uneasiness.

Feb. 4. — Afternoon I paid a visit to Genl. Gates and his lady.

Feh. 19. — I dined at home with my worthy friend Tristram Dalton,
Esq., of Newberry Port, Mrs. Rowe, and Jack Rowe. The committee
for purchasing flour, &c., met this afternoon at Faneuil Hall.

Feb. 24. — The committee met this morning and applyd to Gov-
ernment about the distressed situation of this town respecting bread,
flour, &c.

Feb. 27, March 1, 5, 6. — [Committee meetings.]

March 6. — A considerable skirmish in the Jerseys between a party
sent out from New York and General Maxwell, the advantage in
favour of Genl. Maxwell.

April 16. — [The Continental frigate Warren had taken several
armed British vessels carrying troops and stores. "A bonfire and great
rejoycing on this occasion."]

May 5. — This day town meeting. The following gentlemen were
chosen representatives : John Hancock, Saml. Addams, Thomas
Dawes, Thos. Walley, W'" Tudor, Caleb Davis, and Gustavus Fellows.

June 1. — [A party, after dining at Stephen Cleverly's, "all went
with Mr. Parker a-haymaking."]

June 11. — Genl. Heath gone this day.

1 He was shot accidentally by Benj. Hichborn. Samuel Breck's " Recollec-
tions," p. 22.

108 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. [Mar.

June 13, Sunday. — After church the proprietors met; they voted
our church vacated by Mr. Walter. 12 yeas, 4 nays.

June 15. — I began to mow my pasture this morning. Merchants'
meeting.

June 17. — Body meeting.

June 19. — Merchants' meeting dissolved. Every day this week my
time has been taken up with the merchants ; part of the hay got in.

June 20, Sunday. — Mr. Parker was chosen the incumbent minister
of Trinity Church this afternoon ; voters present, 23.

June 22. — I got all my hay in yesterday. Good news from the
southward.

July 8. — Bad accounts from New Haven in Connecticut State.

July 9. — [Prizes brought in.]

July 11, Sunday. — Mr. Parker read the address of Congress.

July 12. — A furious press this morning to man the fleet. The
delegates from the trading towns met this morning.

July 13. — Bad intelligence from Connecticut. I devoted my whole
time this day with the delegates from the trading towns.

July 15. — A Body meeting this day. Dr. [Isaac] Rand before
them and examined. The remainder of the fleet got into Nantasket
Road, so that they [are] now ready for sea. Capt, Jenkins arrived
from France this day.

July 18, Sunday. — [The last entry of the Diary.]

THE

DIARY OF JOHN ROWE,

A BOSTON MERCHANT,

1764-1779.

A PAPER READ BY

EDWARD L. PIERCE

BEFORE

March 14, 1895.

CAMBRIDGE:

JOHN WILSON AND SON.

mnibetsitg i^ress.

1895.

m

fffffffi

Jn^^^

■^

^^^^^^V^

ii

■ c

ill

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

0 014 078 037 6

iiiiiilii